The twelfth ESPI Summer School of Economic Policy, that will take place from the 15th to the 24th of July 2009, will present its participants with a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge about the relation between the state and the markets. The focus will be on the conflicting views about the role that the state should play both in the development of a national economy, and in overcoming periodic crises.
For students unfamiliar with development economics, the Summer school will be a good introduction to this exciting field of research and practical policy making. Development economics covers a wide range of topics, such as various economic policy measures that aim to promote development and industrialization, the relation between economic and social development, sustainable development etc. Although the focus is on the economic side of the whole matter, development economics is inherently multi-disciplinary.
On the other hand, students will have an opportunity to hear the other side of the argument. While development economists usually reserve a relatively big and important role for the state, (neo)liberal economists argue that the state should only have a role limited to setting the “rules of the game”. The main points of their argument will be presented, and the two views will be confronted in a debate.
Both views will be presented by leading experts in their particular fields, both from abroad and from Serbia. Two topics of special interest that will be explored, within the context of the above mentioned conflicting views, are (a) the cause of and ways to solve the current world economic crisis and (b) the position of Serbia in these trying times.
Furthermore, students will have an excellent opportunity to find out more about who economic policy making looks like “from the inside”, as they will attend lectures by the head of the Republic of Serbia Securities Commission, Milko Stimac, the Vice-President of the Serbian Government and the Minister for the Economy and Regional Development, Mladjan Dinkic, and the Governor of the National Bank of Serbia (Serbia’s central bank), Radovan Jelasic.
APPLICATION
Thirty (30) applicants will be accepted to the School. Education in social sciences and humanities is preferred (especially in economics and related disciplines, such as law, political science, sociology, organizational science and the like), although it is not a prerequisite.
Applicants from the following countries may apply: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia.
The list of other requirements is set out below:
- Under 30 years of age
- Application form (Download: ESPI InstituteSummerSchool2009ApplicationForm.doc), you can also get a copy at the Institute itself)
- Motivation letter (up to 300 words describing why you would like to take part in the school, what they expect to gain from it and how do you think you will contribute to its overall organization while participating in it and in future)
- Short Resume or CV
- Two recommendation letters (from professors or superiors, must include their contact details)
- High average mark during (if still a student) or at the end of studies (if the applicant has already graduated)
- Good knowledge of the English language
You can register either (a) online, by sending the required materials to office@institutespi.org or (b) at the ESPI Institute itself, at Topličin venac 11, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia (you can both send the required documentation or bring it yourself).
ADMISSION
The Selection Committee will be in charge of announcing the final list of participants no later than the 25th of June. The factors most affecting the outcome will be the motivation letter, the recommendation letters and an interview (for those outside Belgrade, a phone interview will be conducted). Those who have been chosen will need to confirm their participation by the 30th of June.
ACCOMMODATION
The participants will be accommodated at the hotel in downtown Belgrade. Accommodation will be provided in both single and double rooms. Meals are included.
TRANSPORTATION
The ESPI Institute can cover up to €50 of travel costs. We do require proof of the travel costs incurred.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Contact person: Ivan Rajić
Tel: +381 11 3346086, +381 11 3346172
e-mail:office@institutespi.org
