founded in 1999, The Institute was an initiative of André Urani, former Secretary of Rio de Janeiro's municipal Work department - It is aimed at increasing the level of collaboration between researchers from different institutions and policy makers, committed to the fight against poverty and the reduction of inequality.

the institute proposes and promote studies, solutions and discussions on challenges and equitable development strategies for Rio de Janeiro and Brazil - iets is dedicated to producing and disseminating knowledge on social and economic issues and the diagnosis, evaluation and design of public policies, whether state or private, to confront poverty and inequality, and to improve the quality people's lives.