The OECD began its work in September 1961 as the successor to the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC), which was set up in 1948 to implement the Marshall Plan and soon afterwards to promote economic cooperation between its member countries, trade liberalisation and the establishment of a payments system. The main objective of the Paris-based organisation is to contribute to the development of international economic relations by promoting economic growth, a high level of employment, free trade, higher living standards and financial stability. The OECD offers a global environment for the governments of its member countries to exchange experiences in order to find common solutions to similar challenges. In addition, the global organisation is also placing great emphasis on creating better coordination and coherence between national and international economic policies.
The 34 member countries and many observer countries can express their views through their delegates in Committees and working groups. The Committees are directed by Boards of Directors under the coordination of the OECD Secretariat-General, chaired by the Secretary General (currently Angel Gurria from Mexico). The third pillar of the OECD is the Council, made up of the member countries, represented by delegations led by ambassadors.
One of the OECD’s most important and newest services is the Innovation Policy Platform (IPP), a niche database co-funded with the World Bank and inspired by the Big Data movement. The aim of the platform is to provide professionals and researchers with a simple and easy-to-use tool to gain insight into the innovation policy-making processes of individual nations, and thus gain a comprehensive picture of global regulatory trends.
Hungary in the OECD
Hungary has been a member of the OECD since 1996, enabling it to participate in the development of international standards, present its interests in an international context and argue for important but politically difficult structural reforms.
The Permanent Representation of Hungary to the OECD is an international organisation headed by Ambassador Dr. Zoltán Cséfalvay. The small organisation is mainly an economic mission, assisting domestic professionals and decision-makers in the pre-decision phases of the consolidation process in Hungary. The website of the representation can be found here.
The OECD National Council was established on 12 July 2011 to coordinate and better exploit the benefits of Hungary’s OECD membership. The OECD National Council is a high-level professional forum that provides members with the opportunity for regular dialogue and the development of common positions. The OECD National Council is chaired by Gábor Orbán, Minister of State for Taxation and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of National Economy, and includes ministries, OECD partner banks and a number of background institutions. The NRDI Office represents research, development and innovation in the Council. Read more about the OECD National Council here.
Hungary is an active member of the OECD, with representation in around 250 committees and working groups. The National Research, Development and Innovation (NRDI) Office has a professional-representative role in two committees and their working groups:
- Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP);
- Committee on Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE).
OECD website: http://www.oecd.org/
Permanent Representation of Hungary to the OECD: http://oecd.kormany.hu/magyarorszag-oecd-melletti-allando-kepviselete