Founded in 1990 after the promulgation of the multi party democracy as a successor of the Integrated Development system (IDS), the Institute of Integrated Development Studies (IIDS) is a leading non-governmental, non-profit organization research institute of Nepal registered under the Societies Registration Act 1977. The mission of IIDS is to contribute to identification, analysis, understanding and response to major development policy issues facing the country. Since its establishment, the major goal of IIDS has always been to contribute to more informed public policies and programs through the provision of technical assistance and dissemination of the research findings and recommendations in different formats to target audiences, mainly the government. It has helped build informed understanding on different key priorities of national importance, such as economic reforms, water resources development, poverty alleviation and human development and so forth.

With the restoration of multi party democracy in Nepal in 1990, pluralism has been a prevalent feature in the various issues of national importance. Unilateral viewpoints are put to scrutiny in the process of public debate and discussion. In this context there is growing recognition on the need for objective, non-partisan, policy relevant research on major development issues. Accordingly, the role of a private, independent national research institute or think tank capable of producing such research becomes all the more important.

Recognizing such a potential role, IIDS has engaged itself, in the constructive and informed analysis of the critical and strategic socio-economic issues of national concern of Nepal. While it has been able to maintain a long tradition of research excellence, a key challenge facing the Institute is to prepare itself as a think-tank of the country for the next millenium.

Vision To become Nepal's leading private, independent non-partisan research institute committed to holistic and sustainable development based on human values.

Mission To contribute to identification, analysis, understanding and response to major development policy issues facing the country

Objectives 1. Contribute to more informed public policy and action by conducting empirically based policy-oriented research on Nepal's economic and social development in national, regional and international contexts;
2. Foster informed debate and discussion on key development issues facing the nation;
3. Provide training and technical assistance for government and non-governmental agencies in areas of the Institute's expertise;
4. Facilitate access to and exchange of experience with institutions within and outside the country.