ESR Policy Briefs
In recent years, the researchers involved in the Innoveative Training Network (ITN) MARKETS have produced a range of insightful policy briefs exploring themes such as informality, urban governance, labor markets, migration, and entrepreneurship across the post-Soviet space. These contributions have informed policy discussions at both regional and international levels, including platforms like the World Economic Forum, OSCE Academy, and CABAR.Asia. Below is a curated list of recent publications and policy briefs authored by the Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs).
📌 World Economic Forum Contributions
Aguzzi, T. (2022) – Strategic Map on Informality, World Economic Forum
Benedetti, G. (2023) – Contribution on urban informality and development to the Strategic Map on Informality, World Economic Forum
Fernandes, A. (2023) – Contribution to the WEF Strategic Map on Informality
Majda, P. (2023) – Entry on informal governance & networks for WEF Strategic Intelligence
Pesci, E. (2022) – Entry on urban informality and development for the WEF Strategic Map
📌 OSCE Academy Policy Briefs
Benedetti, G. (2024) – Driving Change: Ensuring Fair Treatment for Central Asian Truck Drivers in the EU, OSCE Academy
Camerani, A. (2024) – Female Entrepreneurship in Kyrgyzstan, OSCE Academy
Pesci, E. & Dzhamangulov, K. (2023) – Active Labour Market Policies in the Kyrgyz Republic: Addressing Employment Barriers, OSCE Academy
📌 Contributions to Regional Policy Platforms
Gazieva, M. (2025) – Risks of the Rebound Effects in Irrigation-Technology Adoption, presented at The Tashkent Platform, EU-Think Tank Forum
Yusupova, B. (2023) – Labour and Informality in Uzbekistan: Policy Analysis, CABAR.Asia
📌 Analytical and Opinion Pieces
Benedetti, G. (2022) – "Gas e salari: un fantasma si aggira per il Kazakistan?", published in Osservatorio Russia
Camerani, A. (2022) – Blog entry on her WEF project for DCU Business Blog
Fernandes, A. & Pacolet, J. (2024) – Illusie van belastingverlaging wordt best opgeborgen, Samenleving en Politiek, 31(3)
Richter, M. (2022) – Eastern Europe’s Melting Pot: How Warsaw Became the Conduit for Spreading Western Values, Journal of International Affairs, 74.1
Richter, M. (2023) – Reading the Fine Print: Anti-Reforms Under the Banner of Reforms, published in Vox Ukraine
Vorobeva, E. (2022) – How Putin’s Partial Mobilization Turned into Total Mobilization of Migrants, Russian Analytical Digest, No. 288, Available at: https://www.ssoar.info/ssoar/handle/document/86966
Gobbat, M. (2025, forthcoming) – Margins of Discontent: Northern Moldova Between Oligarchism, Populism, and EU Scepticism, Moldovan Analytical Digest
Temina, O. (2025, forthcoming) – Invisible Patient Participation in Russia
Denisova, M. (2025, forthcoming) – Good Health Care by Private Means? Lessons from the Study on Private Clinics in Russia
For those working in policy, academia, or civil society, these briefs offer a unique lens on the socio-political and economic transformations taking place in Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Whether you're exploring the resilience of informal economies or the shifting contours of governance, we hope this collection will be a valuable resource for all practicioners and researchers.