CAF launches Research Program on Development Issues

(Caracas, March 18, 2008).- The Andean Development Corporation aims to obtain a diagnosis of decentralization and local development in Latin America through a new invitation made today to students, researchers and academics to participate in the seventh Support Program for Research on Development Issues (PAI).

"This year the program will focus on important issues that directly affect governance in the region: Latin American decentralization and local development" said Luis Miguel Castilla, head of CAF Public Policies and Competitiveness. The PAI began with the objective of "promoting deeper knowledge of the region, making in-depth studies of the problems that affect our countries and contributing possible solutions on which a multilateral organization - such as the Corporation - can cooperate in favor of the development of its 17 shareholder countries," he added.

The Program is aimed, although not exclusively, at researchers associated with universities, research institutes and other public and private institutions in Latin America. The invitation is also extended to assistant professors, researchers and postgraduate students from CAF member countries who work in institutions in the United States or Europe and focus on issues related to Latin America.

The deadline for submissions is May 2. They will then be evaluated by a jury of academics, policymakers and CAF researchers who will base their decisions on the quality of the submissions and their relevance for Latin America. The selected submissions will be announced on May 30, 2008 and the deadline for delivery of the final works is November 30, 2008.

The requirements should be sent by e-mail to: CAF Research Support Program desarrollo@caf.com, CAF, Caracas, Venezuela. The terms of reference are given at www.caf.com in the "Bulletin Board" section. For more information contact Stefania Scandizzo, e-mail: Stefania.Scandizzo@caf.com or Irene Sierraalta, e-mail: Irene.Sierraalta@caf.com.

In previous events, an average of 60 submissions were received from 12 countries ranging from Australia, Spain, United States, France, India to the countries of South America. In past years the issues dealt with have included Growth in Latin America, seen from different perspectives, and Productivity and Diversification.

CAF will grant US$10,000 to the selected submissions for completion of the research. The Corporation will cover travel and lodging expenses for a seminar in Caracas or a session to be held at the next LACEA annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The Corporation reserves the right to publish and distribute the resulting works. The authors, however, may subscribe their works to specialized reviews or other publications, or use them to comply with academic requirements, provided the sponsorship of CAF is recognized.