We are an independent non-profit economic and public policy research institution founded on the idea that evidence-based policy making is vital to the economic welfare of societies. Established in 1991 in Warsaw, CASE scholars and researchers assisted policy-makers during the early years of transition, before turning their attention to the challenges inherent in the European Union enlargement process and then EU key policy challenges in the globalized world. While remaining focused on our five core thematic areas of: (1) European Neighbourhood Policy, enlargement, trade and economic integration, (2) labour markets, human capital and social policy, (3) innovation, competitiveness and entrepreneurship, (4) reforms, growth and poverty reduction in developing and transition countries, (5) macroeconomics and public finance, we want to contribute to new debates facing Europe, including the economic impact of climate change mitigation policies and the economics of energy policy.

In addition to consolidating our position in the European research market, we are also broadening our geographic horizons by going beyond our traditional countries of interests, i.e., the Western Balkans and the Commonwealth of Independent States.  Starting in 2006, we became active in the Middle East and Africa, where we hope to strengthen our presence by competing for technical assistance projects. 

Networking and communications activities remain central to our organizational development. As CASE entered its twentieth year of existence in 2011, we want to build on our relationships with our own internal network, associated organizations, and membership in international and external networks, partnerships and alliances to make our research and expertise available and have a growing impact in the European policy debate. Reaching out to an increasing number of international experts is another priority we are working on.