Who We Are and What We Are Achieving

                                                                                                                   
Our Purpose: To strengthen innovation and economic growth within the Euro-Atlantic community through projects that contribute to improved economic and security policies, practices and communications.  Our emphasis is on effective partnership, the implementation of key policies and practical opportunities with a focus on Central and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

History: The Activity for Innovation and Economic Growth (AIEG) was founded in 2007 by George W. Handy and draws upon his 14 years of experience with the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and international investor forums as well as his corporate and government experience.

• George Handy directed 186 projects in Central and Eastern Europe and Russia for CSIS, and has completed 20 projects within the AIEG structure.
• AIEG continues to grow and change with the Euro-Atlantic community, and is organized as a project-driven activity that provides a government-private sector framework for practical, near-term change.
• AIEG is designated as a tax exempt non profit organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to AIEG are deductible under section 170 of the Code.

Our Office Location and Contact Information:

            George W. Handy                                          Contact Information:
            Managing Director                                          Cellular:  001-202-255-2779
            1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW                    Office:  001-202-248-5409
            Suite 300                                                         Fax:  001-302-729-5872
            Washington, DC 20006                                   Email: ghandy@ieggrowth.org
                                                                                    Web Site: www.ieggrowth.org

 Our Board and Staff:

            Dr. Anders Aslund                                             Treasurer:  Mrs. Marilyn K. Handy
            Dr. Norman Neureiter                                        IT Advisor: Mr. Duy Huynh
            Mr. George Handy                                            Associates: 
                                                                                      Mr. Constantin Moisa (Romania)
                                                                                      Mr. Zdravko Zdravkov (Bulgaria)
                                                                                      Mr. George Osypowicz (Poland)
                                                                                      Ms Michelle Crosby-Nagy (Hungary)

 Summary of our Results since Start-Up in June 2007:

• Since the Start-Up of AIEG: 20 completed projects involving 27 countries and addressing innovation, health care, energy, transportation, e-government and other ICT applications, trade facilitation, customs operations, financial management, national defense and emergency management.
• Growing Exposure and Network:
  • Recent projects have introduced AIEG experience in Central and Eastern Europe to Asian countries and countries in Latin America.
  • AIEG depends upon a growing network of 900 leaders and experts from 30 countries.
  • Project financing has been received from the US Government, associations and the business community.

AIEG Priorities for 2012 and 2013: We have focused our projects on the following areas of importance to the countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the Euro-Atlantic community:

• Increasing growth in science, technology and innovation as the means for job creation, competitiveness, sustainable economic growth and strengthened security.
• Improving health care as a measure of citizen well-being and as an input to economic productivity.
• Contributing to the continued modernization of selected areas of infrastructure.
• Strengthening security through improved defense and more effective emergency management and response.
• Advancing cooperation among neighboring countries for economic, financial and security purposes.

Practical Consequences of Participating in AIEG Projects: During the next 12 months, the continuing global financial and budgetary crises are not likely to lessen. Despite this reality, identifying and developing existing and imminent government requirements and market opportunities can be accomplished at reasonable cost and risk. Our projects enable near-term, affordable growth through our emphasis on clear priorities, well-selected partnerships, calculated choices and innovative research and applications.