United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology

The institute, which collaborates closely with Maastricht University, carries out research and training on a range of social, political and economic factors that drive economic development in a global perspective. Special emphasis is on the process of technological change and innovation, including the governance of science and technology and on factors limiting the access to knowledge; on (public) policy analysis and evaluation; on the social aspects of growth and development, in particular the policy challenges posed by low levels of development including the limitations and possibilities for social security and other social policies; and on the relationship between global development and migration.

The Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG) of Maastricht University is integrated within UNU-MERIT; MGSoG is the centre for UNU-MERIT’s double degree Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Develpoment, which aims to train public policy professionals for the global community. UNU-MERIT, including MGSoG, has been closely involved in research for a variety of UN agencies, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the World Bank.

Overall the institute functions as a unique research centre and graduate school for around 100 PhD fellows and 140 Master’s students. It is also a UN think tank addressing a broad range of policy questions on science, innovation and democratic governance.

Missions

• To research how countries can catch up in the unequal global playing field of the 21st century, without increasing inequality and social exclusion;
• To analyse knowledge flows at the regional and global levels, and their impact on local development, employment and productivity;
• To train specialists who combine a high level of academic scholarship with leadership, in order to strengthen democratic governance in domestic and international organisations.