NCCR Trade Regulation (2005-2017)
NCCR Directors: Prof. Thomas Cottier (2005–2013); Prof. Manfred Elsig (2014–2017)
Home institution: University of Bern
Research and major results of the NCCR
Multilateral and bilateral treaties are becoming increasingly wider in scope, often stretching beyond mere commercial matters into areas such as climate and development policy, migration issues, human rights and the promotion of innovation. In close collaboration with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations, the researchers of the NCCR "Trade Regulation - International Trade Regulation: From Fragmentation to Coherence" identified and analysed these and other aspects of international trade relationships and developed innovative approaches to the problem of reconciling different regulations.
The NCCR’s motto “From fragmentation to coherence” strongly marked its initial research agenda. The objective was to focus on the actual inconsistencies of the international trade regulation system with the aim to find solutions to governance challenges and to adjust the fragmented legal system. Overall, the NCCR contributed to the state of the art in unique ways, both in terms of conceptual and empirical research. Conceptual research was exemplified by the application of graduation theory in intellectual property law and the introduction of the concept digital trade. The economics team published many papers in the most renowned journals of their discipline, including on subjects relevant for policy such as labour dislocation and export promotion.
Structural development – Perspectives for the research domain
As the host of the NCCR, the World Trade Institute (WTI) at the University of Bern undoubtedly developed into a leading research centre in the area of trade governance and trade related areas in Europe and beyond. For its empirical research, the development of various datasets, e.g. the DESTA database, was an important accomplishment.
Contact details
NCCR Management
NCCR Director
Prof. Manfred Elsig
Universität Bern
Hallerstrasse 6
CH-3012 Bern
Tel. +41 (0) 31 631 54 95
Email manfred.elsig@wti.orgManagement / Koordination
Sascha Finger
World Trade Institute
Universität Bern
Hallerstrasse 6
CH-3012 Bern
Tel. +41 (0) 31 631 30 81
Email sascha.finger@wti.orgFunding
The NCCR was awarded 26.4 million Swiss francs from the SNSF over a duration of 12 years. The table below shows that this amount represents almost 70% of the NCCR’s total expenditures. The remaining funds were either from third parties or own funds.
Financing 2005 – 2017 (Swiss francs)
Funding source
2005–2009
2009–2013
2013–2017
Overall
SNSF grant
10,296,416
9,303,904
6,825,436
26,425,757
Funds from the University of Bern
1,014,625
2,579,970
4,077,407
7,672,001
Group funds of the project participants
1,550,750
582,665
774,724
2,908,139
External funds
609,645
309,000
10,496
929,141
Total
13,471,435
12,775,539
11,688,063
37,935,038
Evaluation / Review Panel
For each NCCR, the SNSF appoints a Review Panel composed of renowned experts whose task it is to evaluate scientific quality and the progress made in NCCR projects. The Review Panel of the NCCR Trade Regulation consists of the following experts:
Contact person at the SNSF:
Thomas Griessen
NCCR Team
Swiss National Science Foundation
Wildhainweg 3
CH-3001 Bern
+41 (0) 31 308 23 51
Email thomas.griessen@snf.chResearch structures
National Centres of Competence in Research leave their mark on the research landscape well beyond the SNSF funding period. They help to define key topics and sustainably change Swiss research structures. Thus NCCRs can lead to the creation of new professorships and courses of study as well as new infrastructures or platforms at the universities involved.
NCCRs operate as a network in which a large number of scientific partners are active. Working within these networks has borne fruit in the form of new research approaches and excellent scientific contributions.
Structures created by this NCCR until now:
- Expansion of theWorld Trade Institute of the University of Berne
Contributions to society and the economy
The National Centres of Competence in Research not only engage in cutting-edge research, they also play an important role in transferring knowledge and new technologies to the economy and to society at large. They lead to the formation of start-ups, and the new insights have the potential to awaken the interest of politicians, globally active companies and the public at large.
Communication and knowledge transfer of the NCCR Trade Regulation:
Promotion of academic careers and equal opportunities
The National Centres of Competence in Research consciously promote promising young researchers and are committed to equal opportunities for men and women in research.
Measures taken by the NCCR Trade Regulation to promote young researchers and gender equality.