About Us

Organization Background

Inya Economics was established in 2017 as a locally-based independent think tank with a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive development. The organization employs holistic and alternative approaches, as well as policy and academic advancements, to promote people’s prosperity. Its primary mission is to advance economic knowledge democratically and share economic value with society’s well-established members. Inya Economics strengthens policy considerations through rigorous evidence-based research that benefits a wide range of stakeholders, including policymakers, governmental bodies, and both non-profit and for-profit organizations.

Inya Economics has been publishing the Inya Economic Journal since 2017. In addition to the journal, the organization occasionally releases reports, economic briefs, policy briefs, working papers, survey research, academic blogs, as well as videos and podcasts addressing various development issues in Myanmar. Inya Economics also offers consultancy services in four specialized areas: (1) Monitoring and Evaluation, (2) Research, (3) Strategy and Policy Support, and (4) Specialist Areas.

Our Values

Independence: As a local independent think tank (2.0) that promotes public participation in the policymaking process, we are free to conduct our research and advocacy without external influence.
Accountability: We are responsible for our actions and follow the principle of doing no harm, taking ownership of our mistakes and working to make things right.
Transparency: We value transparency and strive to maintain the organization’s reputation and image by operating in an open and honest manner.
Innovation: We approach problems with innovative and critical solutions, always seeking new and better ways to address challenges.
Evidence-based: We base our strategies and decisions on rigorous analysis and research, using evidence to guide our actions.
Diversity and human rights: At Inya Economics, we respect diversity and human rights in terms of gender, ethnicity, religion, beliefs, and political ideology. We do not tolerate any form of segregation over fundamental rights, and we value these inherent rights.
Inclusive economy: We are dedicated to working for an inclusive economy as the means to sustainable economic development, based on our firm beliefs and standpoint.

Our Vision

“To strengthen the economic development of Myanmar.”

Our Mission

Myanmar’s sustainable economic development can definitely only be achieved in the context of a democratically accountable political system.

Organizational Governance

Our organization operates with a decentralized and accountable approach to governance. To ensure accountability, we have implemented a single management system for the entire organization. As part of this system, we have introduced the IE Police, which allows anyone to file a complaint if they believe our employees are not adhering to our values and policies. The IE Police system is designed to prevent discrimination of any kind, including discrimination based on gender, religion, ethnicity, and minority status. To file a complaint, please email us at [email protected].

Executive Director

The Inya Economics Core Team (IECT) holds the authority to appoint an Executive Director (ED) through a voting process during the organization’s annual meeting, with the ED serving a one-year term voluntarily. In cases of necessity, IECT reserves the right to vote and appoint a new ED at any point within the year.

The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, management, and direction to Inya Economics. This role involves overseeing the organization’s research, policy analysis, advocacy, and outreach efforts to ensure its mission and goals are met effectively. The Executive Director reports to the IECT and works closely with staff, researchers, and external stakeholders.

Operation Team

The Operations team comprises seven units: Administration, Human Resources, Finance, IT, Program Quality Management, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), and Organizational Audit.

Program Directors

Program Directors (PDs) are elected by the Inya Economics Core Team (IECT) after the annual meeting to voluntarily lead their programs for one year. Inya Economics practices a decentralized governance system, allowing PDs to manage their programs according to their vision, as long as they adhere to the organization’s constitution and strategic plan.

Inya Economics Core Team

The Inya Economics Core Team serves as the highest regulatory body and guarantor of the organization, consisting of 9 members, including the 7 original founders from 2017 and 2 additional members added in 2024.