An innovation brougt forward by a lifetime dedication to aid and development.
MICRO has become and innovation of a synthesis of BI’s ambition to take social responsibility and one staff member’s life time dedication to increase Norwegian development aids effectiveness. Professor Anne Welle-Strand started her research on development aid in Niger and Pakistan in the early 70s. She is presently focusing on business-related aid and the microfinance-strategy, in developing nations. MICRO has several research areas, but the overarching question being asked is: How is it possible to make developing countries financially and intellectually independent?
MICRO’s vision is to make a difference in fighting poverty by identifying how effective development aid can be implemented. This is done through research on microfinance effectiveness and how the business activities can aid in development and provide new knowledge resources. It is assumed that a constructive synthesis of economic growth and increased learning will result in intellectual independence among the poor. MICRO’s mission is to produce new knowledge about conditions for successful political, economic and socio-cultural development. Through education of specialists, MICRO aims to make an impact on implementation of effective aid.
MICRO’s research focus is on the relations between, but not limited to, development management, cultural impact, political reform, economic thinking, learning and education, environment effects, gender and sustainable development. There will be courses at bachelor’s level with the objective of stimulating and educating students for future careers within development aid, business or academia. A master’s of science lecture series in Development and Microfinance is currently being offered. Further, excellent master candidates from Norway and abroad can continue their researcher careers in a PhD-program.
MICRO will primarily be utilizing BI’s own staff for research and teaching, particularly in the fields of economics, political economy, organization, management, accounting, innovation, entrepreneurship and marketing. Also staff from other Norwegian and foreign institutions will be involved.
MICRO’s ambition is excellence in producing competence, creating effective development aid, achieved through independent and critical social science research.
In August 2007, Anne Welle-Strand received a six year Professorship in Development Studies and Microfinace. Read about the Inaugural Lecture
