The Economic and Social Development Research Center
The Economic and Social Development Research Center was established in 2022 with the aim of actively contributing to Palestine's economic and social development process, while also incorporating the principles of development within the unique Palestinian political landscape.
The center plays a vital role in advancing the sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, with An-Najah University being one of the pioneering institutions to embrace and promote these goals. The center's focus lies in conducting research to address economic and social challenges, generating policy papers, organizing training programs, and facilitating capacity-building initiatives. These efforts are carried out in collaboration with a team of experienced and qualified researchers from An-Najah National University. By engaging in such activities, the center actively contributes to comprehensive development projects in Palestine, benefiting various segments of society and promoting the economic empowerment of marginalized groups, particularly women, youth, and university graduates.
Furthermore, the center strives to establish partnerships with relevant institutions to foster shared responsibility and work towards achieving economic and social objectives, in line with Palestine's vision to realize the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. These partnerships encompass governmental bodies, the private sector, academic institutions, research centers, and non-governmental organizations, both locally and globally. The center also focuses on attracting and implementing development and research projects funded by local and international organizations across diverse economic and social fields. It collaborates directly with the Palestinian government and private sector, aiming to formulate policies that enhance public services, drive private sector development, and foster overall growth within Palestine.
Vision
Our vision is to become a research hub and a national model at An-Najah National University in the realm of economic and social development. We strive to forge partnerships with local, regional, and international economic, social, academic, and research institutions engaged in sustainable development efforts within Palestine.
Mission
Our mission is to make significant contributions to achieving sustainable development goals in Palestine through research and policy-making. We aim to employ these findings in various development contexts by undertaking economic and social development projects that cater to the needs of all segments of Palestinian society.
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Conduct comprehensive studies and research to actively contribute towards achieving sustainable development goals in economic, social, environmental, and political dimensions.
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Provide policymakers and other stakeholders with well-informed policies, interventions, and solutions in the socio-economic domain.
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Offer diverse knowledge and expertise in women's studies to both governmental and non-governmental institutions involved in women's issues.
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Deliver a range of knowledge and specialized insights regarding critical aspects of education access and quality.
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Foster and elevate the level of scientific research within and beyond the university, particularly in economic, social, educational, and psychological studies, to effectively address the university and Palestinian community's needs.
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Enhance students' intellectual and research capabilities across various economic, social, and political subjects, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
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Provide capacity-building programs for individuals and institutions in the fields of economics, social sciences, and education.
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Organize conferences, seminars, lectures, and workshops aligned with the center's vision and mission, aimed at developing solutions to emerging social and economic challenges in Palestinian society.
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Prioritize the inclusion and integration of marginalized groups into the social, economic, and political development processes.
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Address the market's demand for expertise in the preparation of feasibility studies and strategic plans.
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Foster collaboration between An-Najah National University, researchers, and experts from other universities, research centers, and local, regional, and international development institutions, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships and knowledge exchange.
The center's activities and initiatives have a direct impact on the community, while the community's needs and participation shape the center's priorities and direction. Here are some of the main aspects of this relationship:
1. Meeting the needs of the community: the Center for economic and social development works closely with the community to identify its needs, challenges and aspirations. Through surveys, community consultations and engagement with local stakeholders, the center gathers insights and data to enrich its programs and initiatives. This ensures that the center's activities are tailored to the specific economic and social development needs of the community.
2. Community engagement and participation: the Center for economic and social development relies on community engagement and participation. Through its activities, the center engages community members in decision-making processes, program development, and implementation. This enhances the sense of ownership and enables society to actively contribute to its economic and social development.
3. Local economic development: A Center for economic and social development focused on improving the economic conditions of the community. It implements initiatives such as entrepreneurship training, small business support, employment services, and skills development programs. By promoting economic opportunities and encouraging local businesses, the Center contributes to the overall prosperity and well-being of the community.
4. Social programs and services: in addition to economic development, the Social Development Center component addresses social challenges and promotes social well-being within the community. It offers programs focusing on education, healthcare, housing, poverty alleviation, gender equality and Community Empowerment. These initiatives aim to improve the quality of life, promote social cohesion, and address social inequalities within society.
The relationship between the Economic and Social Development Research Center and the industry and private sector is a dynamic and interconnected one. The center's activities and initiatives have a profound impact on the industry and labor market, while the industry's needs and dynamics shape the center's strategies and priorities. Here are the key aspects of this relationship:
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Industry Research and Analysis: The center conducts comprehensive research and analysis on industry trends, market dynamics, and labor market conditions. This valuable information helps identify growth sectors, emerging industries, and labor market requirements. By understanding the industry's needs and challenges, the center can design programs and initiatives that align with the local economy's demands.
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Workforce Development: The center plays a pivotal role in workforce development by offering training programs, skill enhancement initiatives, and employment services. Collaborating with industry stakeholders, it identifies skill gaps and develops relevant training programs to address those gaps. These efforts ensure that the workforce's skills align with the industry's evolving needs, thereby promoting employment opportunities and driving economic growth.
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Industrial Cooperation and Partnerships: The center actively collaborates with companies and industrial associations to foster partnerships. Through these collaborations, the center stays informed about industry trends, engages in joint research projects, and develops initiatives that directly cater to industry needs.
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Labor Market Analysis: The center conducts thorough analysis of the labor market, including employment rates, wage levels, labor force participation, and demographic trends. This analysis helps identify disparities, skills shortages, and employment barriers. By understanding labor market dynamics, the center can develop targeted interventions to address labor market challenges and promote inclusive growth.
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Economic Development Strategies: The center's economic development strategies take into account the industry's needs and growth potential. It focuses on building strategies that foster industrial clusters, innovation, and a favorable business environment. These strategies aim to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the industry's competitiveness and the overall labor market.