Reviewed by CAP, April 22, 2008

Approved by

Senate Research Committee

March 17, 2008

TO:Senate Research Committee, Committee on Academic Programs

FROM:ResearchCenter Review Subcommittee (A.L. Baumstark, Dan Benardot)

RE:International Studies Program (AYSPSCenter for International Fiscal Policy)

The International Studies Program (ISP) is being evaluated as scheduled by the Joint Senate Research/CAP (APACE) Subcommittee for Center Review. The International Studies Program was created in 1995 within the Department of Economics in the College of Business Administration. In 2000, the Center became an official program in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies (AYSPS). The director of the ISP reports to the Dean of the AYSPS.

Mission and Goals

The stated mission of the ISP is to provide research and technical assistance in support of sound public policy and sustainable economic growth in transition and developing economies. The ISP lists the following strategic goals:

1)recruitment of top quality faculty and graduate students

2)training of government officials

3)hosting short- and long-term visiting scholars

4)holding worldwide conferences at GSU and maintaining a working paper series

5)promoting synergy within GSU as well as with international organizations

Organization of the Center

The Center does not have an advisory board. The Center states that it “strives to recruit and retain faculty who are versatile in the classroom, in academic research and in policy advice, and to attract and retain the best graduate students possible.” This is stated as an important link to the academic departments in the AYSPS. Center personnel (faculty, staff and graduate students) are listed in a table.

Funding Status of the Center

Initially, the start-up for the Center was financed by ICR (indirect) funds. Since 2000, the Center has received fund code 10 support of $65K from the AYSPS per year and ~$40K in ECON Fund 10 Code Director’s (course) releases. The Center has been awarded “internal” GSU funds for International Initiatives at $20-$30K annually. Continued ICR funds of $45-50K/year are generated from grants and contracts (via formula: 25% to the Center; 25% to AYSPS; 50% to GSU). The remainder of the budget appears to be covered from sponsored grants and projects (totally ~$2M/year).

Accomplishments of the Center

The ISP has successfully served as an organizational base for providing and supporting internationally-oriented research, technical assistance, policy-focused training and academic programs.

Goal #1

The Center lists 20 dissertations that have been supported by ISP project work. A summary of grants submitted (~$5.4M) shows the international impact of the Center. Substantial numbers of major research projects/programs, reports, conferences, and conference papers clearly show the level of the Center.

Goals #2 and #3

The ISP has hosted international scholars and policy makers as visiting scholars for both short- and long-term exchanges. Three visiting scholars from Canada, China and the Ukraine in particular are highlighted. Visiting professors including the current Minister of Finance of Indonesia are being brought to GSU.

Goal #4

In October 2007, the ISP held its 8th Annual Conference on Tax Compliance and Evasion (internationally supported). Eleven presentations with discussion are shown in the table (papers to be reviewed and published in an upcoming book). The ISP will be hosting its 4th Summer School in Public Economics in 2008 at GSU.

Goal #5

The Center lists cooperation with other centers in AYSPS as well as with other colleges at GSU. Contacts with UGA and Kennesaw are given. The Center has established a long-standing relationship with the World Bank and the CarterCenter. The ISP has carried out research with international institutions (USAID, Asia Development Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, UN Development Program and the IMF).

Barriers to Success of the Center

The ISP lists financial support as the most important factor. The Center’s growth has taxed its ability to manage and administer its programs. The current phase of the Center’s operations may be enhanced with recommendations that could be provided from a committed advisory board/committee.

Overall Assessment

It is the finding of the Center Review Senate Research Subcommittee that the ISP is meeting its goals. The Center has increased the productivity of all those involved. The subcommittee recommends that the ISP continue as a GSUResearchCenter. We encourage the ISP to continue its efforts in international fiscal policy.