Call for Policy Brief Proposals

Department of Economics at the Lebanese American University (LAU) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation

About the Initiative

The Department of Economics at  LAU, in partnership with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF), invites proposals for policy briefs addressing pressing economic challenges facing Lebanon.

This initiative seeks to produce rigorous, evidence-based analysis and actionable policy recommendations that contribute to informed public debate and support effective policymaking during a critical period of economic transition.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals should outline a policy brief that identifies a specific economic challenge affecting Lebanon and presents a practical, evidence-based policy solution. Proposed recommendations should be feasible, grounded in empirical research, and mindful of the country’s institutional, fiscal and political economy constraints.

Proposals that promote competition, open markets and reduce barriers to entry are particularly encouraged.

Thematic Areas

Proposals should address one of the following themes:

• Opening Closed Markets: How can greater competition, lower trade barriers and simplified licensing reduce the cost of essential goods, open protected sectors, ease inflationary pressures and improve economic welfare in Lebanon?
• Liberalizing the Power Sector: How can Lebanon transition from a loss-making public utility to a competitive electricity market with private generation, an independent regulator and cost-reflective tariffs while ensuring reliable and affordable access for low-income households?
• Sound Money and Fiscal Discipline: What policies related to central bank independence, fiscal discipline and banking sector restructuring can restore confidence without transferring private losses to the public sector?
• Ease of Doing Business: Which tax, licensing and registration barriers hinder entrepreneurship, and how can stronger capital markets and targeted investments in skills and infrastructure support business creation and economic growth?
• Putting AI to Work: How can Lebanon develop public policies that harness artificial intelligence to increase productivity and expand tradable digital services through investments in digital skills, improved connectivity, and innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks that support workforce transitions?
• Financing Reconstruction: How can secure property rights and transparent procurement processes attract private and diaspora investment while limiting state capture, displacement and environmental degradation?
• Trade in Agricultural Products and Food Security: How can Lebanon strengthen agricultural exports, improve supply chain resilience, enhance food security and increase competitiveness in regional and international markets?

Honorarium

Authors of selected proposals will receive an honorarium of $1,500 upon submission of the final revised policy brief and presentation of their work at a roundtable discussion.

Key Dates

How to Submit

Proposals should not exceed one page and must include:

• A working title
• A clear statement of the economic problem
• A brief description of the proposed policy solution
• A short author biography and institutional affiliation

Please submit proposals by September 21, 2026, to both:

Department of Economics
Lebanese American University
economicsdepartment@lau.edu.lb

Friedrich Naumann Foundation
beirut@freiheit.org