IRIM is working in the field of economy and the labor market, to contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 8 - Decent work and economic growth - through its research and evaluation work. The Institute has gained many years of knowledge and experience in this field, and it accounts for about 50% of all IRIM’s projects. Research projects on small and medium-sized enterprises, labor market trends and dynamics, labor productivity, and decent work are prominent. Moreover, IRIM is focusing on strengthening the capacity of research and consulting services in the field of Care Economy, which has become one of the major concepts in the labor economy in recent years.
The Institute is constantly developing research methods in Inclusive economy and decennt work sector-related topics such as:
Studies on employment policy, legal frameworks, and labor market dynamics, including demand, supply, and stability across various sectors are main areas of IRIM’s competence. In this regard, IRIM is conducting research and consulting services focused on tracking the employment status of graduates from higher, technical, and vocational education institutions to assess whether their skills align with the requirements of employers.
. In addition to conducting research in priority areas of the economy such as mining and agriculture, IRIM also undertakes research aimed at enhancing the contribution of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), as well as herders and farmers, to the economy. These projects encompass identifying opportunities to increase the value chain for products, services, and production processes. IRIM conducted a Small and Medium-sized Enterprises competitiveness survey nationwide in 2023, following the methodology of the International Trade Center (ITC) SME competitiveness matrix. The study comprehensively determined the competitiveness of MSMEs and their environment, enabling precise identification of areas for improvement of future needs. Moreover, the survey served as important evidence that will be used in the development of policy solutions to improve the future business environment.
Social protection programs directly contribute to sustainable economic growth by enhancing labor productivity and empowering people’s ability to secure decent work. In addition to conducting evaluations on social protection programs and projects, IRIM has been actively engaged in research and consulting services aimed at enhancing household livelihoods. This includes empowering targeted households and fostering decent work opportunities through support for small businesses. For instance, in 2023, IRIM conducted market research (to support targeted households in initiating their businesses) by using the Graduation Approach, and successfully provided consulting services for developing a business model for these households. Based on this market research and the business models, a total of 1,520 households in Songinokhairkhan, Bayanzurkh, and Chingeltei districts in Ulaanbaatar received equipment support for implementing suitable businesses and were provided with the opportunities to improve their livelihood financed by ADB’s Second Shock-Responsive Social Protection Project.
Forced labor is one of the biggest challenges to creating decent work. This is not only a gross violation of human rights, but also distorts the labor market, artificially increases wages, reduces investment in human resources and skill development, and damages economic growth. In Mongolia, there is a high risk of exposure to forced labor, especially among workers in the informal sectors (including mining, heavy industry, transportation, construction, and services). IRIM has extensive experience in conducting research in area of forced labor as a form of human trafficking. For example, the Institute conducted the Baseline assessment into the causes, dynamics, vulnerability, and resilience levels to trafficking in Mongolia in 2020, Child Protection Compact: Baseline study in 2021, and A Data Driven Report on Combatting Trafficking in Persons in Mongolia in 2022.