International Research Project 2012: India

After highly successful International Research Projects on the economies of Russia and Hong Kong and last year’s memorable trip to Santiago de Chile, we are proud to announce the new International Research Project (IRP) 2012. This year we have chosen to delve into the economic developments of a potential future leading economy by visiting Mumbai, India!

What is the IRP?

AEclipse’s International Research Project is a project aimed at investigating the economic developments of the specific country that is. The IRP is the ultimate opportunity to bring all your acquired economic knowledge into practice by applying learned theories on the specific economic developments of a country experiencing strong economic development. The beauty of the project is that academic research done in Rotterdam will be complemented with on-the-ground experiences from local experts, academics and businesses.

IRP 2012: India

The IRP always aims to focus on a country which is particularly interesting due to its remarkable economic development. India, for that matter, will be able to fully live up to all standards of the IRP! India’s highly educated and young workforce and its competitive business environment make India, according to many experts, the leading economy of the future. Besides by being a vibrant, energetic metropolis, Mumbai clusters the economic potential of India in one location by being the commercial capital of India.
All major companies are headquartered in Mumbai, which will give us great opportunities to visit large multinationals, Indian businesses or governmental institutions.

What does the IRP 2012 consist of?

This year the IRP will accommodate 20 highly motivated and talented students. Students are eligible to join if they are in their last Bachelor or Master year. We are looking for ambitious and devoted students who have an interest in research, strong analytical skills that would like to participate in the greatest research trip on campus!

At the beginning of January 2012, selected participants will be prepared to start their economic research on India with an introduction to the IRP, to Mumbai and to India itself. Until departure in mid March 2012, the IRP team will host various activities, including symposia, guest lectures and company visits which will all be linked to India. The trip itself will of course be the highlight of the IRP and consists of a 12-14 day visit to Mumbai and perhaps even a surprise inland trip. We will get to know the culture, the people, companies, institutions and conduct high level economic research on-site. Back in Rotterdam, we will finalize the papers and present the research in a final symposium.

Shortly summarised, the project consists of the following activities:

1) Academic Research in the Netherlands
Participating students will perform research on certain economic developments and the possibilities it provides for foreign investors, as well as their role in the economic growth of the country. A rich variety of other economic topics are also negotiable.

2) Research on behalf of companies
The project provides the opportunity for students to perform research on behalf of companies. This research can be on a variety of topics, but will most likely be determined by the individual companies. Additionally, Master students can combine their thesis research with company research.

3) Guest lectures
We intend to organize several guest-lectures. In this way, students will get access to small-scale presentations focused on economic subjects, which are related to the country we are visiting.

4) Visit to a developing country
The trip will take place in mid March 2012. The trip consists of visits to several companies, the university and financial and governmental institutions and perhaps even a surprise inland trip. We will get to know the culture, the people, companies, institutions and conduct high level economic research on-site. More information on this part will follow later this year. At this moment, the IRP committee is working hard on finding and contacting the greatest possible venues.

5) Presentation of results
The project will end with a symposium where all the research is presented and discussed. In addition, a book containing all research from participants will be published.

Lastly

Students that will follow the seminar Trade & Growth will be able to integrate the IRP research and as research paper of the seminar, so that their IRP research will actually yield a substantive amount of their Seminar grade. In case you are not following this seminar (or not a Master student), do not worry: everyone with an interest in economics is welcome to join this trip!

Does the IRP 2012 also attract your attention? Then join us for this amazing trip! Joining the IRP will provide you with a great opportunity to develop and practice your research skills as well as collect a great experience abroad. Previous experience taught us that you might very well be able to use your research in relation to your Bachelor or Master thesis as well! Discuss this with your supervisor.

Please send you motivation letter and CV to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it before December 5^th!

On behalf of the IRP 2012 team,            

Jurgen Vermeulen    
Commissioner Activities I