RAD Projects

Objective 1: Facilitating interaction between the academic community and the World Bank

ABCDE Conference
The Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics (ABCDE) is one of the best known series of conferences on development. The ABCDE brings together researchers, policy-makers, journalists, students, representatives of the civil society, private sector as well as international organizations for a broad and multi-disciplinary discussion on the most important development challenges of our times. The ABCDE is organized by the World Bank Paris Office and the Development Economics Vice Presidency. The latest ABCDE took place in Tokyo, Japan, on May 29-30, 2006.

Research Bank on the World Bank – engaging researchers working on the World Bank
In collaboration with the Warwick University, United Kingdom, a workshop was organized to offer an opportunity for doctoral researchers working on the World Bank to present their work and discuss it among themselves as well as with World Bank staff – the workshop took place in Budapest in April 2005. As a result, an independent publication has been compiled, with articles written by 12 researchers addressing diverse themes and applying a different lens each to the analysis of the World Bank. Another workshop for PhD-level researchers will be organized in September 2006.

“Share University Papers on the World Bank”
University papers written about the World Bank by students and researchers do not always receive the exposure that they deserve, inside and outside the World Bank.
The “Share University Papers on the World Bank” project aims to give students the opportunity to share the papers they have prepared as part of their university curricula and which have a focus on development and on the actions of the World Bank. It also gives the possibility to read and discuss what other students around the world have written on the World Bank on a common web platform.

Engaging academic networks
The RAD has initiated interaction and is seeking ways to cooperate with other global academic networks: the Coimbra Group, the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP), the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), ASEAN AUN Network, the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) and others.

Working Groups
In order to facilitate dialogue on particular development issues between operational Bank staff and the external research community, informal working groups have been set up, to match the World Bank Thematic Groups. Currently, there are 2 working groups: on migration and on labor markets. The working groups bring together researchers from the World Bank, other multinational organizations, and the external academic community.

Dissemination of research
- To the academic and research community (RAD members) – linking RAD members sharing the same research interests
- Within the World Bank – linking external researchers and World Bank staff; disseminating external research within the World Bank
- Among policy-makers and civil society organizations

Provision of tailored research information (via the RAD E-Newsletter)
- Grants/ research funding offered by the World Bank and other donors
- Latest World Bank research and publications
- Latest conference and seminars on development

Objective 2: Mobilizing the academic and student community on development issues and curricula, facilitating mutual flow of knowledge

Compact Seminar on Development
The Compact Seminar is a 2-3 day series of workshops and presentations aimed to raise awareness on development-related issues and policies among graduate students of various fields of study, young professionals and representatives of civil society organizations. The seminars are jointly organized with the host institution and follow an interactive methodology, such as role plays and lectures from practitioners in the field which challenge students’ common perception of development policies.

International Essay Competition
Young people all over the world are working to solve community problems, such as lack of access to education or jobs, the spread of HIV/AIDS or conflict. Yet, the impact of their work does not always receive enough exposure and recognition. With the International Essay Competition, the World Bank and its partners invite youth aged 18-25 to share their experience and ideas on community work and participation in public life.

Global Issues Lecture Series
The World Bank has initiated the Global Issues Seminar Series to promote better understanding of global issues, and to trigger discussion among  students of social sciences, international development, public policy and business. It is a semester-long series of weekly lectures that bring together staff from the World Bank and other international organizations with students of 5-7 universities in different parts of the world, using the videoconferencing technology. The Global Issues Seminar Series is designed and directed by the World Bank External Affairs Unit in Washington DC.

Presentations delivered by World Bank staff
Universities and research center often do not have the knowledge or the means to directly contact World Bank staff working on the research area of their interest. Through the RAD network, member institutions have the opportunity to invite World Bank staff as speakers at seminars or conferences, or as presenters at development-related courses for students, and get first-hand experience and latest knowledge of World Bank policies and operations.