About SCID
Who We Are
SCID is a center within the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR) which focuses on international trade and development. Faculty at the Stanford Center for International Development (SCID) focus their research on economic policies in developing and transition countries. They work to advise and influence the international economic system by working with policy makers. The center was founded in 1997 and is led by Nicholas Hope. At present, SCID has programs on China, India, Latin America and Caribbean, and International Economics. The center also sponsors research projects, conferences, and seminars that explore economic policy topics in international and development economics.
Mission Statement
SCID's mission is to foster scholarly research on issues pertaining to economic policy reform in developing economies and economies in transition.
Faculty and staff at SCID research and distribute significant results on issues involved in the design, implementation and evaluation of policies that promote economic growth in developing countries. The objective is to promote economic development and to enhance the efficiency of the international economic system. Growth and improved economic performance in low-income and formerly centrally planned economies are essential to raise the living standards of the world's poor and to enhance global cooperation and security.
The agenda for SCID has three main components: the causes of economic growth in developing and transition economies; the role of international trade in improving economic welfare around the world; and the impact of the international financial system on the world economy.
We aim to create and disseminate new knowledge about development and the world economic system that will help policy makers improve economic conditions and allow business leaders to survive in an increasingly globalized world. In pursuit of both breadth and depth, SCID has programs that are topical as well as programs to study specific areas.
What We Do
Along with economic policy research, SCID scholars conduct policy conferences at Stanford and in the current countries of emphasis. Annual policy conferences are hosted at SCID to discuss research on policy issues affecting China, India and Latin America and Caribbean. Occasionally, conferences are hosted to discuss new research from particular fields. In conjunction with these conferences, commissioned papers are presented and discussed and, in turn, become the springboard for further work.
SCID publishes research findings in scholarly and professional journals and books, through periodic policy notes and by issuing working papers. These papers are also posted on the SCID website. The series Stanford Studies in International Economics and Development, edited by Professors Stephen H. Haber and John Pencavel and published by Stanford University Press, features many of the SCID papers.
In addition, SCID sponsors bi-monthly luncheon presentations, and occasional lectures and public addresses, including the Huang Lian Memorial Lecture, Kuo-Shu Liang Memorial and the SCID Distinguished Speaker Series.
SCID faculty and staff also have designed courses and study programs for senior-level delegations from developing countries. SCID hosts senior officials from focus countries as visiting scholars. Efforts are under way to formalize aspects of the visiting scholars program and expand it as resources permit. Faculty and staff serve as expert commentators for the media and participate actively in Bay Area forums emphasizing public policy and international relations. SCID works actively with non-governmental organizations to enhance the effectiveness of their activities and to inform them of current research.
Faculty at SCID play an important role in educating students for careers in economic policy evaluation in developing countries. Much of its budget supports graduate students who assist with the research of SCID scholars. These research assistantships do more than just finance doctoral students; they prepare the next generation of policy economists.