Organization

The Bureau of Theoretical and Applied Economics (BETA) is the main joint research unit in Economics and Management in Eastern France. The laboratory currently has more than 300 members, including about a hundred researchers and fifty PhD students, and relies on about twenty research engineers and administrative staff. Different teams and authorities are charged with structuring, organizing, and inspiring the life of this large laboratory.

The unit is headed by a director, appointed in coordination with all the organisms. The appointment follows the procedures specific to each organism. The work of the director is assisted by three deputy directors (approved by the organisms), as well as the Scientific Board and by the BETA Council.

The director is responsible for the implementation and coordination of the unit’s academic policy in conjunction with those responsible for the five-year research programs with respect to each of the scientific axes. The director is the link between the unit overall and the bodies in charge of research within each organism, and keeps the BETA council informed as regards all questions relating to research and doctoral training, as well as implementing the unit’s doctoral training policy. The director draws up the five-year assessment of the unit with the heads of the scientific axes. The directorship prepares and implements the unit’s budget. Allocation and expenditure of budgetary items must operate in accordance with rules for good practice and public accountability; financial reports may be required by the funding bodies.

The scientific board is a body composed of the heads of the axes and the directorship of BETA. It makes proposals to the BETA board and contributes to defining the scientific strategy of the laboratory.

The BETA Council is composed of both appointed and elected members. The elected members are representatives of the staff of each category in the unit. Other research scientists (emeritus professors, external researchers who are members of BETA, etc.) may be invited to council meetings. The unit council meets on the initiative of the director, at least three times a year. Alternatively, a meeting may be convened at the request of one third of the full members. The council considers all questions relating to the management and scientific activity of the unit. It discusses strategic choices and participates in decision-making.

In addition, the General Assembly of BETA members meets at least once a year and is consulted on all major changes which may affect the life of the laboratory.