The global context is becoming increasingly complex. Economic, social, and climate-related crises––overlapping, interrelated, and self-reinforcing––are creating fissures in even resilient societies, deepened by the added pressure of geopolitical instability. While it is not (yet) possible to describe the impact of the fissure propagation on overall economic integrity, an eventual rupture would mark the dawn of a new era even more uncertain and turbulent than the current one. In this context, inconsistent and/or unsustainable policies today would become legacies tomorrow that would
The volatile context complicates the implementation of coherent economic, social, and climate policies. Irrespective of population size, income classification, or geographical location, countries face increasing difficulties in developing, communicating, and/or executing sustainable development policies that
A central challenge in related efforts consists of reconciling objectives of social cohesion with those of green transition towards carbon neutrality and net zero. High-quality jobs, inclusion, and the public perception of fairness play a central role in green transitions. Recent economic history has shown that there are few alternatives to mastering this mammoth task than to aim at generating a virtuous cycle that has crisis responses reinforce long-term goals of sustainable development and these, in turn, the abilities to attend to immediate political necessities.
At OLTERS GmbH, we are convinced that seemingly intractable policy dilemmas in the short term can be addressed more effectively when (re-)linking them to overarching development goals. Irrespective of sector and strategic importance, political decisions would need to be seen as (small) intermediate steps towards broadly supported sustainable development objectives en route to creating high-quality jobs and shared prosperity. This way, even ‘difficult’ decisions can be integrated into an overall concept and opportunity costs minimised and, if necessary, offset.
In that case, economic policy is nothing more than a marathon race in which every step, no matter how difficult, brings the finish line just a little closer. Such an overarching narrative of economic policy would result in a consistent interaction between short-term policies and sustainable development goals, thereby providing households and companies with orientation and planning security. Maintaining such an approach would allow for the transformation of an inherited vicious circle into a self-sustaining virtuous one.
OLTERS GmbH supports efforts of (re-)defining the critical link between a country’s (own) medium-/long-term objectives, corresponding criteria of prioritisation, and available policy options to a given set of constraints. We seek to derive proposals for a time-consistent economic policy through appropriately formulated growth and development strategies. If requested, we could provide support in moderating consultative processes that would aim at ensuring the broadest possible participation and developing a basic understanding of—operationally and financially implementable—policy options and strategies.
We offer consultancy services that would
We remain committed to social cohesion and politico-economic/climate sustainability as policy anchors, especially during times of instability and crisis.
Our work is driven by the conviction that an ultimately successful approach to socio-economic policymaking necessitates the development of (i) an overarching narrative; (ii) effective mechanisms to reconcile competing interests; and (iii) policy approaches to balance the present with the future.
To be successful, honest and open communication, cooperation, and collaboration—with clients, within the team, and with all stakeholders—are key. To do this, we live by, and commit to, the following three core values:
The strongest foundation for success is a reputation earned of consistent honesty and ethical behaviour: we do what we say, and we say what we do.
The key to earning credibility is an uncompromising commitment to open communication and personal accountability: we encourage others to see what we do.
The seed for sustainability lies in the shared access to knowledge, technology, and resources and the reliance on competence and fairness: we approach new challenges impartially and without prejudice or bias.
In January 2024, Jan-Peter founded OLTERS GmbH, which he has led since as Managing Director. He brings in more than 25 years of experience in international financial institutions, including as head of office in Tajikistan/Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kosovo, Montenegro (all World Bank), and Albania (International Monetary Fund), as lead economist/advisor in the World Bank’s global tax, research, and public financial management units, and as (senior) economist in the IMF’s African Department.
In these roles, Jan-Peter played a leading role in the preparation and implementation of development strategies and country programmes and the active contribution to reforms in tax and customs, the financial sector, and energy transition. He maintained a strong focus on effective public institutions, an attractive business climate, and the quality of, and access to, investments in human development.
Jan-Peter has considerable experience in academia as faculty lecturer in several universities and colleges and in media, including as Co-Editor of World Economic Affairs. He has been publishing in refereed journals and books and authored working papers and strategy documents. He has been contributing actively to public debates on issues of economic development.
Jan-Peter has earned his doctorate in Economics from McGill University in Montréal (‘Endogenous ballot decisions and “optimal” fluctuations : an economic model of politics’), his master’s degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and his bachelor’s equivalent from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität in Freiburg. Jan-Peter speaks English, German, French, and Albanian.
Socio-economic development is an intricate process of knowledge, change, and response. It defies simple solutions. Not only for this reason, OLTERS GmbH considers the close and consistent collaboration with key representatives in polity, from the development community, among local stakeholders (private sector, academia, civil society), and with experts in their respective areas of expertise essential for any effort in setting into motion a process towards an ultimately self-sustained process that would strengthen the foundations for sustainable and inclusive development. It can only be achieved by sharpening views onto, and mustering broadest-based support for, effective, implementable, and communicable responses to identified priority challenges.
OLTERS GmbH feels privileged and is honoured to have been able to work with the following partners.
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Ignoranti quem portum petat nullus suus ventus est
If one does not know the port of destination, no wind is favourable.
— Lucius Annaeus Seneca (62)
Epistulae morales ad Lucilium, LXXI, 3