Overview.
Welcome to the Impact Assessment Institute (IAI). We are based in Tirana, Albania, with activities across EU countries, Western Balkan countries, Georgia, Lebanon, Moldova, Ukraine, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and more.
We offer a comprehensive suite of services, including consultancy, project management, advocacy, event management, training, capacity building, procurement assistance, analysis, and research.
With an extensive experience of over 20 years across diverse domains, we have established our expertise and proficiency in the following key areas:
Regulatory Impact Assessment & Evaluation
We have extensive experience in assessing the impacts of policies, legislation, projects, and other initiatives, both ex-ante as well as ex-post.
Better Regulation
We excel in formulating, improving, and implementing systems for policy development and effective management of the policy cycle.
Stakeholder Consultations
We have broad experience with developing and implementing (online) stakeholder consultation policies. We have facilitated complex and demanding dialogues with stakeholders, contributing to meaningful and collaborative decision-making.
Strategic Planning
We have assisted governments and organizations with developing effective strategies, guiding them towards effective implementation and sustainable success.
Work Planning
We have worked with governments and organizations to compile functioning systems for planning and reporting on their activities, increasing transparency and accountability.
EU Decision Making
We have a deep understanding of EU policies and decision-making processes. We assist our clients in navigating the complex procedural framework of the EU and devise strategies and concrete actions that enable them to effectively engage with European institutions.
Administrative Burden Reduction
We have extensive expertise in developing and implementing policies for administrative burden reduction. We combine this with the skills and experience of identifying reduction measures and devising solutions to minimize bureaucratic complexities, increasing operational efficiency, and improving the end-user experience.
Meet Our People.
Erik Akse
Founder
Erik Akse is the expert for EU decision-making and policy development with more than 20 years of experience. Erik Akse has managed a range of complex Technical Assistance projects related to Public Administration Reform and Better Regulation. He was directly involved in over 180 Impact Assessments, evaluations, and related public consultation processes.
He provides trainings and presentations on EU decision-making and policy development; coaches individuals on the functioning of and engagement with the European Union; and provides strategic advice on strategic engagement with EU procedures for maximum effect in public affairs.
Erik’s expertise extends to the design and implementation of systems for Public Administration Reform, strategic planning, ex-ante Regulatory Impact Assessment, ex-post Evaluation, stakeholder consultation, and administrative burden reduction.
Erik regularly shares his practical insights by publishing books and articles on EU decision-making and Better Regulation.
Publications
EU decision- making explained
From Eu policy to EU law and back
Publication date: June 12, 2022
Publication date: June 12, 2022
How the EU Institutions work:
Your Handbook and Guide to EU Decision- Making
Publication date: September 8, 2020
Publication date: September 8, 2020
The EU Flow:
From EU policy to EU law and back (English Edition)
Publication date: September 5, 2017
Publication date: September 5, 2017
Joana Naci
Managing Director
Joana Naçi is the Managing Director at Impact Assessment Institute and plays a pivotal role in driving the organization’s success.
Joana started her experience at Peace Corps Albania & Montenegro and CBS – Creative Business Solutions.
Before joining the Impact Assessment Institute, she was the Office and Administration Manager for the EU Twinning Project related to improving Food Safety in Albania. She was responsible for project communications, liaising with implementing partners, and supporting the preparation of project plans and reports. She also coordinated administrative procedures and systems; implemented procurement procedures in compliance with EU and Albanian law; was responsible for contract management; and organised events, trainings, workshops and (international) study visits.
Joana holds a Bachelor ‘s Degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Finance-Banking from the Mediterranean University of Albania.
Aliona Russu
Business Development Manager
Ms. Aliona Russu is the Business Development Manager at the Impact Assessment Institute, contributing to the company’s business growth. She is a Certified Master in Human Sciences, with over 10 years of international experience.
Priorly, Ms. Russu worked as a Business Development and Talent Acquisition Officer for AESA Agriconsulting Europe in Brussels, operating projects and talents acquisition processes for programs of EU, World Bank, AfDB, AusAid, and other funding agencies in the areas of education, youth, social protection and inclusion, governance, democracy, migration, health, gender and human rights. In time, she managed to develop a strong network of numerous expertise around EU-states, Western Balkans, Eastern Europe, Central, South and East Asia, Africa and Latin America, strengthen cooperation with donors and streamline business processes.
On a personal level, she demonstrates a detail-oriented mindset, notable problem-solving skills and excellent communication abilities. She is fluent in English and French, having the aptitude to learn and adapt quickly in different cultural environments.