In an attempt to keep pace with advancements in technology and globalization more broadly, Black Sea countries have been intensifying their efforts to foster and cultivate their own innovation ecosystems. 

The retail industry is one of the important drivers of the Georgian economy. Therefore, it is important to analyze the current situation and future prospects of the sector to identify existing challenges and opportunities of the sector. Additionally, the research aims to share the specifics of the sector and its economic importance to the general public and, as a result, to raise awareness in this direction.

The research structure of the retail trade sector includes an overview of the Georgian retail value chain processes, analysis of key sector indicators, financial indicators, and challenges in the sector.  At the last stage of the research, based on the main findings, recommendations are developed, the purpose of which is to eliminate the challenges in the sector and promote the development of the sector. 

The report provides an analysis of economic trends in Georgia, as well as denoting the challenges and opportunities (in local, regional, and global contexts) across selected value chains within six sectors to improve evidence-based decision-making through the provision of quality information and analytics. The specific sectors are tourism, creative industries, light manufacturing, shared intellectual services, waste management and recycling, along with cross-cutting sectors. The analysis tracks trends of 2022. This report was developed by PMC Research Center and ISET Policy Institute within the USAID Economic Security Program.

This paper thoroughly examines the existing Georgian cryptocurrency laws to identify their primary shortcomings. Moreover, it analyzes the bills proposed in the EU and the United States. After examining the local regulatory environment, comparing it to international practices, and considering the idiosyncrasies of the Georgian economy, the paper also proposes amendments to improve the existing policy.

The Diagnostic Study of the Light Manufacturing Cluster of Oni Municipality was carried out within the framework of the project financed by the European Union’s initiative - "Mayors for Economic Growth", which is implemented by the Oni municipality Mayor's Office and PMC Research Center. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of PMC Research Center and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

The Diagnostic Study of the Primary and Processed Food Products Cluster of Oni Municipality was carried out within the framework of the project financed by the European Union’s initiative - "Mayors for Economic Growth", which is implemented by the Oni municipality Mayor's Office and PMC Research Center. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of PMC Research Center and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

The Diagnostic Study of the Construction Sector Cluster of Oni Municipality was carried out within the framework of the project financed by the European Union’s initiative - "Mayors for Economic Growth", which is implemented by the Oni municipality Mayor's Office and PMC Research Center. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of PMC Research Center and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

The Diagnostic Study of the Tourism Sector Cluster of Oni Municipality was carried out within the framework of the project financed by the European Union’s initiative - "Mayors for Economic Growth", which is implemented by the Oni municipality Mayor's Office and PMC Research Center. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of PMC Research Center and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

This quarterly report provides an analysis of economic trends, as well as denoting the challenges and opportunities (in local, regional, and global contexts) in selected value chains within six sectors to improve evidence-based decision-making by providing quality information and analytics. The specific sectors covered are tourism; creative industries; light manufacturing; shared intellectual services; solid waste management and recycling; and cross-cutting sectors. The analysis tracks trends from the third quarter of 2021.