Established in 1998, the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies (GFSIS) is an independent, non-profit policy think tank dedicated to helping improve public policy decision-making in Georgia through research and analysis, training of policymakers and policy analysts, and public education about the strategic issues, both domestic and international, facing Georgia and the Caucasus in the 21st century. GFSIS activities are aimed at promoting democracy and fostering political and economic reforms; enhancing regional cooperation; creating a friendly and secure investment environment; and providing local private sector and the international business community opportunities to participate in the economy of the Caucasus region.

Most of GFSIS`s staff members are former high-ranking government officials. They possess a unique mixture of government policy expertise and academic achievement. The GFSIS staff`s significant ties with the country`s political leaders and educational institutions help the Foundation raise the profile of Georgia`s opportunities and problems, promote dialogue between the government and research community, and train the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the country. GFSIS brings together experts working in multiple disciplines. In order to carry out research projects and training, the Foundation attracts leading Georgian analysts for individual and joint studies on a contract basis.

GFSIS also serves as a forum for foreign scholars who are conducting field research related to political and economic processes in Georgia, as well as in the Caucasus at large. The Foundation offers a stimulating and hospitable environment by offering both field expertise and IT facilities to help scholars achieve their research goals.

Policy-relevant research is aimed at providing senior level officials in the country with databases (accessible through the Internet), research papers, simulation models and policy recommendations. Most of the research findings are available to individuals, institutions, and the wider public.

Training is designed to enhance human capital in the region, by raising the level of expertise in international economics, politics, and security issues. The Foundation broadens opportunities for promising young specialists to participate in policy planning and decision-making. The trainees, representing both governmental and non-governmental organizations, are offered evening classes in economics, foreign policy and international security. Our teaching staff includes international and local specialists and instruction is provided free of charge.

Public Outreach is an important tool for increasing our influence in the policy dialogue. GFSIS regularly conduct interviews with the media, hosts discussions, public hearings, and round tables.

Evaluation and assessment studies aim to help institutions improve their measure of program performance and understand how performance might be improved. This includes evaluations of specific programs and projects as well as more general assessment studies of political risk and social and economic development. Evaluation and assessment studies are conducted in Georgia and the Caucasus region for governments, the private sector, and NGOs.

Conferences and seminars are regularly organized, often in collaboration with other research institutions and government organizations, to encourage an exchange of views among policymakers, scholars, and NGO`s on key policy issues and to develop recommendations for action.

Publishing newsletters, working papers, project reports and conference proceedings in electronic formats – is a regular activity of GFSIS. Research findings are available on-line, as well as through exchange and subscription.

A GFSIS research and training activity focuses on a regional agenda. The Foundation conducts joint projects in partnership with research and educational institutions both in the region and beyond.

GFSIS undertakes all efforts to provide the country`s political leaders, including members of the Parliament and top administrators of Georgian ministries, with objective information to help them to fulfill their duties more effectively, promote dialogue between the government and the Georgian community. One of the Foundation`s main purposes is to train and educate of the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of the country. GFSIS leaders and collaborators provide numerous interviews through mass media, publications, conference reports, seminars, and roundtable discussions in Georgia and abroad.