Evaluation of the International Center for Economic Growth

ICEG, which was established by the Institute for Contemporary Studies of San Francisco, receives most of its funds from A.I.D. ICEG"s work has proven valuable in changing the perspectives of economic policymakers in poor countries. It does this primarily by nourishing indigenous "correspondent" institutes (242 of them in 94 countries) that use applied economic analysis and empirical research to demonstrate that free markets can improve the economic conditions of the poor. ICEG maintains intensive contacts with 30 of these corresponding institutes, most of which are well-established research and policy organizations, many of them in Latin America. ICEG has allocated the largest share of its resources to subsidizing the publication of books, monographs, papers, etc. To date, 136 publications have been disseminated, covering a wide range of subjects. The authors are highly reputable, and the style is accessible to policymakers. The publications do not break new ground, but this is not their primary objective. ICEG also: organizes conferences and regional meetings; arranges joint research projects and special projects with correspondent institutions; and distributes a quarterly newsletter to some 20,000 recipients. Despite its excellent performance, ICEG"s impact could be increased. ICEG should continue its current intention of reallocating effort from the publication program to the correspondent institutes, because achievement of favorable policy may be more effectively promoted by stronger local institutions than by emphasis on publications. Research projects should also be cut back. More allocations should be made to institutes in poorer countries.