Institute for Development Research Riinvest

Riinvest Institute, a non- profit development research organization and think tank, was created as a response to the needs of society, in difficult circumstances for Kosovo, in May 1995. It was identified with the mission to develop advanced economic thinking as the basis of construction of a free, prosperous and democratic society based on the market economy and entrepreneurial energy. For our contributions to social development, economic studies, projections, and reforms, we were honored with the Gold Medal of Independence by President Dr. Ibrahim Rugova in 2005.

For nearly three decades, Riinvest Institute has engaged in fruitful research and advocacy on critical social issues. During the early years, under Serbian occupation, our research focused on the economic dimensions of Kosovo's unresolved status and the conditions necessary for its economic independence. We advocated for local and international stakeholders based on objective and rigorous analysis. Following liberation, Riinvest Institute led research and advocacy efforts that promoted economic reforms, development policies, and a business environment conducive to free private initiative. We played a significant role in creating the research base and evidence supporting negotiations in Vienna on Kosovo’s status. After Kosovo's independence, our research has centered on developing responsible, effective, and democratic institutions within a free market economy, emphasizing accountability and transparency. Our studies have addressed a range of topics including creating a favorable business environment for SMEs, privatization, economic growth and investments, budget sustainability, public procurement, education and health, corporate governance, public enterprises, and Euro-Atlantic integration. With hundreds of reports published in both Albanian and English, Riinvest Institute has often taken an avant-garde and pioneering role in exploring various economic and social aspects of the country.

At the heart of its work, Riinvest Institute has consistently focused on investing in human capital to advance economic thinking in Kosovo. Through its extensive network of partners, the Institute has supported the education of approximately 300 young individuals, providing opportunities for PhD, MSc, and MBA studies in economics, entrepreneurship, management, and leadership at prestigious universities across the EU and the USA.

With the approval of its new strategic plan, Riinvest Institute has entered a new development phase marked by the internationalization of its activities, an expanded research profile, and strengthened partnerships with leading institutes and research organizations in the EU, USA, and beyond. The plan emphasizes research priorities such as sustainable development, qualitative economic growth, green and digital transformation, creating a competitive and converging economy with the EU, and promoting responsible natural resource use and environmental protection.