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The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis.

This electronic document was made available from www.rand.org as a public service of the RAND Corporation.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

EDUCATION AND THE ARTS

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT

HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE

INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

LAW AND BUSINESS

NATIONAL SECURITY

POPULATION AND AGING

PUBLIC SAFETY

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

TERRORISM AND HOMELAND SECURITY

This product is part of the RAND Corporation corporate publication

series. Corporate publications describe or promote RAND divisions

and programs, summarize research results, or announce upcoming

events.

C O R P O R A T I O N

RAND IN THE

MIDDLE EAST

The RAND CORPORATION works

throughout the Middle East to analyze complex

policy problems and help policymakers create

enduring solutions.

• Objective,analysis-basedsupportfordecisionmaking

• Expertteamstailoredtoclients’needs

• Implementablerecommendations

• Long-termrelationshipswithclientsandtheirpeople

• PermanentpresenceintheMiddleEast

• Acommitmenttohelpingimprovethequalityoflifethroughouttheregion

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TheRANDCorporationisanonprofitinstitutionthathelpsimprovepolicyanddecisionmakingthroughresearchandanalysis.

We focus on the issues that matter most—such as health, education, law, business, energy, and the environment. Our work in the Middle East helps decisionmakers design policies and implement sound policies to make people safer, healthier, and more prosperous.

RAND’s operations in the Middle East are conducted via

Regional office in Doha. Established to respond to growing demand for RAND-style analysis in the Middle East, this office houses permanent staff and local policy resources, representing RAND’s commitment to a permanent presence in the region.

The RAND Center for Middle East Public Policy (CMEPP). A hub for RAND expertise on the Middle East, CMEPP brings together talent from across RAND’s diverse research divisions to take on cutting-edge projects on some of the Middle East’s most challenging issues.

WHO WE ARE

RAND-style analysis

Systematic

Comprehensive

Collaborative

Multidisciplinary

Innovative

Objective

Actionable

Best value

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Ourclientsfacetoughquestionsastheyevaluatepoliciesandputthemintoaction:Whatoptionsdowehave?Whataretherisksinvolved?Howdobenefitscomparewithcosts?Howcanwemakethissolutionwork?

WHAT WE DO

RAND partners with Middle Eastern decisionmakers in government, non-profits, and the private sector to supply the answers they need. We help our clients

• Examinecomplexissues, conducting objective, thorough analysis that explains challenges and options.

• Developasoundplanofaction, offering informed recommendations for sustainable solutions.

• Buildcapacity, providing training and work experiences that develop in-house capabilities to analyze and implement policies.

• Effectlastingchange, working collaboratively to carry out implementation strategies designed to anticipate—and surmount—the inevitable stumbling blocks.

RANDhasbuiltareputationforexcellenceonmorethan60yearsofdedicationtoqualityandobjectivity.WearesteadfastaboutensuringthateveryRANDproductmeetsthehigheststandards.

OUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

This commitment to quality at every level is a pledge that every RAND client in the Middle East will get

• Reliable, fact-based information

• A sound methodology

• Recommendations and implementation plans developed by experts with real-world experience

• Objectivity and independence

• Communications that are easy to understand and tailored to clients’ needs

All RAND products and services go through a rigorous quality- assurance process. Publications are peer-reviewed before being released to clients or the public.

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RAND’s quality-assurance brochure, Standards for High-Quality Research and Analysis, is available at www.rand.org/t/CP413-2011-05

RAND reports and publications are available for free download at www.rand.org/pubs

Learn more about RAND’s standards for high-quality research and analysis at www.rand.org/standards/standards_high

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RAND’S GLOBAL PRESENCE

Social sciences10%

Arts and letters6%

Behavioral sciences

8%

Business and law 7%

Computer sciences

6%

Economics13%

Engineering9%

International relations

7%

Life sciences4%

Math, operations research,

or statistics8%

Physical sciences5%

Policy analysis9%

Political sciences7%

None or not available

1%

DegreesheldbyRANDresearchers

Bachelors9%

Masters30%

Doctorate 59%

Other2%

LevelsofeducationofRANDresearchers

Ourpeoplearethekeytothevalueweadd.Ourrosterofexpertsiscomposedofthenearly1,000analystsontheprofessionalstaff,whoworkinRANDofficesintheUnitedStates,Europe,andtheMiddleEast.SixtypercentoftheseanalystshaveaPh.D.orM.D.,withnearlyathirdmoreholdingotheradvanceddegrees.

OUR PEOPLE

With backgrounds in government, academia, and industry, our people represent an exceptionally broad range of disciplines. They combine theory with real-world experience. Their regional expertise spans every continent. Many are multilingual, collectively speaking or reading nearly 50 languages. They are dedicated to their work and to helping clients see ambitions realized.

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RANDoffersaseamlesswayofdeliveringtheresultsthatourclientsusetoeffectchange.

For each RAND project, we put together a team that carefully matches expertise and experience to the client’s challenges and needs. We may bring together specialists in multiple disciplines, join the fresh ideas of junior researchers with the wisdom of senior analysts, or combine familiarity with a region with in-depth knowledge of a policy domain. The mix will be the best for the project at hand.

We recognize that what works elsewhere might not work for clients in the Middle East. RAND’s aim is to understand how things function on the ground—our clients’ circumstances, constraints, and goals. We keep the local context always in mind, delivering a pragmatic set of recommendations that our clients can implement successfully. In some cases, RAND works side-by-side with clients to put the recommendations into action and secure lasting results.

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OUR CLIENT-CENTERED APPROACH

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RANDoffersastrongrepertoireofcapabilities.Weuserigorousmethodologiesandrecognizedbestpracticesthatcutacrossmanypolicyareas.

RAND CAPABILITIES

Analysis of Alternatives

Business Process Improvement and Re-Engineering

Cost-Benefit and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Cost Estimation and Budgeting

Demand Analysis and Choice Modeling

Long-Range Planning and Forecasting

Organizational Improvement

Program Evaluation

Regulatory Analysis

Risk Assessment and Analysis

Strategic Planning

Technology Assessment

Policy Analysis Training

Building human capacity within governments to conduct research and analyze problems can significantly improve decisionmaking. Better decisions result in more effective and sustainable policies.

In conjunction with the Pardee RAND Graduate School (PRGS) (RAND’s doctoral program in public policy based in Santa Monica, California), RAND offers short introductory courses on policy analysis to participants in the Middle East.

These courses provide an understanding of how policy analysis tools and techniques can improve the quality of public-policy decisions. Content includes the general policy analysis framework, methods, and professional standards used by professional policy analysts, and the ethics they abide by. All short courses are taught by professional PRGS faculty.

Policy analysis training can be tailored to meet the specific needs of local and regional government agencies and other interested institutions.

www.prgs.edu

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EDUCATION

Building human capital through quality education is one of the most important challenges facing countries in the Middle East. A strong and accountable education system—K-12 and post-secondary—can boost domestic prosperity and increase international competitiveness.

RAND evaluates and implements educational reform (including standards-based reform). We develop new approaches to measuring student achievement and help clients use data to improve the quality of education.

HEALTHANDHEALTHCARE

One of the most pressing health-care challenges across the Middle East is making quality care accessible and affordable to economically and racially diverse populations. Nations must also prepare for epidemics and other potential health crises.

RAND conducts innovative studies in health-care reform, information technology, health-care financing, and public-health initiatives. Our aim is to help clients enhance the quality, comprehensiveness, and cost-effectiveness of their health-care policies.

PRIVATESECTOR

Throughout the Middle East, governments face the challenge of encouraging private-sector development and profitability, while enforcing laws to ensure that businesses operate legally, ethically, and transparently.

RAND helps develop effective public policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage entrepreneurship, support innovation, protect property rights, and cultivate business and industry, while maintaining adequate government oversight.

LABORANDPOPULATION

Shifting demographics, migration trends, and patterns of employment and unemployment among Middle Eastern populations are creating significant challenges for governments. Successful policymaking requires a deep understanding of the populations being served and the options available.

RAND provides decisionmakers with analysis-based information and recommendations on labor-market reforms, social-welfare policy, demographic behavior, immigration policies, and economic development.

POLICY AREAS

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SCIENCEANDTECHNOLOGY

The domain of science and technology is increasingly international and competitive. To gain an edge, governments and industries in the Middle East must effectively distribute resources to support research and development. They must also create structures and incentives to promote innovative work.

RAND’s analysts have expertise in technology assessment and forecasting; building science and technology capacity; and program design, management, and evaluation.

ENERGY

As the world’s demand for energy continues to grow, Middle Eastern governments need to develop sustainable and economical energy policies. At issue is how best to use existing resources and what innovative energy solutions to promote for the future.

RAND helps clients develop decision frameworks and processes to measure and evaluate the effects of existing or planned energy policies.

DEFENSEANDSECURITY

In an uncertain security environment, with changing threats and shifting political challenges, Middle Eastern countries need to effectively allocate resources to provide for the safety and security of their citizens.

RAND works in defense policy; strategy and doctrine; force structure; manpower; and logistics for land, sea, and air services. We help clients address terrorism and counterterrorism, piracy, and money laundering. We provide decision support as clients develop personnel policies for police and counter-drug programs.

ENVIRONMENT

Rapid population growth and industrial development present Middle Eastern nations with pressing environmental-policy challenges. Management of natural resources, food security, regulation of pollution, and the effects of climate change are all issues calling for attention.

RAND analyzes environmental legislation and policies on resource management to find cost-effective and politically feasible solutions to environmental problems.

TRANSPORTATION

Sustainable growth and economic development in the Middle East depend heavily on the safety, security, and efficiency of the transportation infrastructure. Ports, roads, and rail networks are all important parts of the whole.

RAND addresses transportation-related concerns such as financing and public-private partnerships. We develop solutions to safety, security, health, and environmental issues. We assist in multimodal planning, corridor planning, and cost-effective land use. Global supply chains are also an area of expertise.

THEARTS

The arts form an essential part of the vibrant culture of Middle Eastern nations. Visual, performing, and literary arts can enhance social well-being, build community, and promote positive change—among youth in particular. They can also be a vehicle for countering violent extremism. Arts education is vital, helping students to understand, appreciate, and participate in the arts.

RAND conducts studies on barriers to free expression in creative works, demand for the arts, and arts education. We help decisionmakers develop policies to build participation in the arts and make the arts a part of communities. We also have expertise in arts funding and administration of arts and culture programs.

CP-489/2 1/13

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OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS.EFFECTIVE SOLUT IONS.

C O R P O R A T I O N