UNU-MERIT is a research and training centre of United Nations University (UNU) and Maastricht University (UM), based in southeast Netherlands.
UNU-MERIT explores the social, political and economic factors that drive technological innovation, with a particular focus on creation, diffusion and access to knowledge.
Following the integration of the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance in December 2010, the centre now covers all aspects of governance in domestic and global organizations, from risk assessment to policy analysis, design and evaluation.
In its enlarged form UNU-MERIT functions as a unique research centre and graduate school for over 80 PhD fellows and 100 Master’s students, and as a UN think tank addressing a broad range of policy questions on science, innovation and democratic governance.
Mission
To explore how countries can catch up in the unequal global playing field of the 21st century, without increasing inequality and social exclusion.
To analyse knowledge flows at the regional and global levels, and their impact on local development, employment and productivity.
To train specialists who combine a high level of academic scholarship with leadership, in order to strengthen democratic governance in domestic and international organizations.