United Nations University-MERIT

The United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) is a research and training institute of United Nations University and Maastricht University, based in the south of the Netherlands. The institute explores the social, political and economic factors that drive technological innovation, with a particular focus on creation, diffusion and access to knowledge. Working with its School of Governance, UNU-MERIT covers all aspects of governance in domestic and global organizations, from risk assessment to policy analysis, design and evaluation. Overall the institute functions as a unique research centre and graduate school for around 100 PhD fellows and 100 Master students. It is also a UN think tank addressing a broad range of policy questions on science, innovation and democratic governance. Mission To explore how countries can catch up in the unequal global playing field of the 21st century, without increasing inequality and social exclusion; To analyse knowledge flows at the regional and global levels, and their impact on local development, employment and productivity; To train specialists who combine a high level of academic scholarship with leadership, in order to strengthen democratic governance in domestic and international organizations.