The SISCs’ overall objective is to be an internationally competitive research-lead institute which conducts world-class research in terms of relevance, rigour and originality.

The institute intends to develop a research agenda with a focus on major policy issues contemporary to the East African development agenda but not limited to macroeconomics and competitiveness of the region. The institute’s research agenda comprises the following four thematic areas;

• Development of competitive productive capacities within  the region
• Regional integration.
• Governance and accountability. 
• Entrepreneurship and private sector development.