Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research
Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research (JIPR), formerly the Jerusalem Institute for Israel Studies, is an independent policy think tank located in Jerusalem, Israel. The institute conducts policy studies on Jerusalem, innovation policy (R&D), environmental policy and the management of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The institute's studies and recommendations serve as resources for governmental bodies, public institutions, civil organizations and the public. History. The Jerusalem Institute was founded in 1978 by Mayor of Jerusalem Teddy Kollek, in collaboration with the Jerusalem Foundation and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The first directors of the institute were  David Amiran and Ora Ahimeir. Founding members included Avraham Harman, Haim Kobersky, Joshua Prawer and Baruch Yekutieli. David Koren is the institute's general director. Activities. The JIPR is an independent, apolitical research institute. Its mission is to contribute to decision-making, policy and planning processes and to influence their outcomes in Jerusalem and in Israel. To this end, it produces accurate, thorough and data-based information, conducts interdisciplinary policy-oriented research and provides innovative policy recommendations and planning proposals for the benefit of decision makers, the third sector and, ultimately, the public. Since its founding, JIPR has issued over  400 publications, which contribute to the professional and public discourse pertaining to Jerusalem in particular and Israeli society in general. It publishes some 20 books and reports annually, including the Annual Statistical Yearbook of Jerusalem edited by Maya Choshen. The institute holds conferences and public events, most of them open to the public. The institute hosts visitors and delegations and guides field tours. The "Peace Process in Jerusalem" (JIIS, 2000) served as a working paper at the 2000 Camp David Summit in July 2000 for the Israeli delegation. Other achievements include: A Regional Master Plan for the Jerusalem Region (TAMAM  1/30), spearheaded by JIPR researchers, which is pending statutory status, a JIIS-initiated biotechnology hothouse and industrial park, established in Jerusalem and a JIIS research study that showed a direct link between cultural activities and urban renewal and led to the creation of rich artistic summer festivals in Jerusalem known as "The Jerusalem Season of Culture". JIPR Research clusters. Jerusalem Jerusalem, and the many challenges it poses, command the lion's share of JIPR activities. This research cluster produces policy recommendations and influences policymakers about the necessary steps for promoting the development, prosperity and strength of Jerusalem, for all its  inhabitants. Areas of Research: Conflict Management and Resolution The Conflict Management and Resolution research cluster develops new conceptual models and practicable alternatives for the management and resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in Jerusalem, for the use of decision-makers. Areas of Research: Environmental Policy Our Environmental Policy Research Center enhances public management of environmental matters by influencing decision-making processes; expanding and enhancing the data used for designing environmentally friendly policies; and evaluating the effectiveness of public-service intervention tools. Areas of Research: Economics Unit The Economics Unit provides the research clusters with an economic perspective and identifies  additional potential points for research and development, particularly pertaining to Jerusalem. Areas of Research: