The Institute of Economics and Rural Development (EKVI) is a division of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences that conducts research in the fields of economics and management. Until 2021, EKVI was the Lithuanian Institute of Agrarian Economics, which has accumulated over 60 years of scientific research experience.
EKVI is a nationally and internationally active research organization, whose scientists are involved in global networks of scientists and are open to cooperation.
Research priorities: The Institute shapes its research topics considering the global challenges facing modern society in the areas of food and energy security, green growth and resource economics, climate change and food system transformation. The Institute's researchers also expand their research topics, moving from a sectoral to a territorial approach, including research on innovation ecosystems, the creation of new value chains in rural regions and new business models. The development and renewal of research topics is promoted by cooperation with scientists from other countries.
Doctoral studies. An important role in the Institute's activities is played by the Doctoral Program in Economics, which the Institute implements together with VILNIUS TECH University. Currently, 20 doctoral students from Lithuania and other countries are studying at the Institute. In the field of doctoral studies, cooperation is established with scientists from Lithuanian or foreign scientific institutions. Doctoral students are provided with the opportunity to continue their scientific career and participate in project activities.
Economic and social impact of research. The Institute cooperates with Lithuanian state institutions, business associations, business entities and non-governmental organizations. EKVI scientists participate in the activities of working groups of state institutions, are invited as experts in preparing recommendations to the European Commission on the long-term directions of the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Union vision for rural areas, and Lithuanian agricultural and rural policy strategies. EKVI scientists actively participate in implementing European Innovation Partnership projects, introducing social innovations for the development of Lithuanian rural regions. EKVI operates a living laboratory "LIRA lab", where innovative solutions are tested together with partners.