The Centre for Social and Economic Progress, or CSEP, is an independent public policy think tank based in New Delhi.
It conducts research and policy analysis on major issues facing India and the world, especially in areas related to economic growth, development, sustainability and foreign policy. CSEP describes itself as an independent public policy think tank that aims to help shape policies for sustainable growth and development.
Background
CSEP was earlier associated with Brookings India.
After Brookings India’s institutional transition, it became the Centre for Social and Economic Progress in September 2020. Brookings notes that after seven years of partnership, Brookings India became CSEP, an independent public policy institution based in India.
Nature of Institution
CSEP is a not-for-profit, independent policy research institution.
It is not a government body. Its role is to provide evidence-based research, policy recommendations and analytical inputs for public debate.
It does not hold one fixed institutional view on every subject; its researchers publish work based on their individual research and analysis.
Major Research Areas
CSEP works mainly in three broad areas:
Economic Growth and Development
This includes issues such as employment, trade, macroeconomics, welfare, public finance, urbanisation and human development.
Energy, Natural Resources and Sustainability
This includes climate change, energy transition, environment, water, land, minerals and sustainable development.
Foreign Policy and Security
This includes India’s external relations, Indo-Pacific, neighbourhood policy, connectivity, strategic affairs and global governance.
Importance
CSEP is important because it contributes to evidence-based policymaking.
Its research helps in:
- Understanding social and economic challenges
- Analysing public policy choices
- Supporting informed debate
- Providing data-based recommendations
- Connecting Indian policy issues with global developments
Think tanks like CSEP play an important role between academia, government, media and civil society.
