DESCRIPTION The proposed TA cluster will comprise 3 TA subprojects encompassing production of the 2016_2018 Asian Development Outlooks (ADO), ADO Updates, and ADO Supplements. These TA subprojects are chronologically sequenced. The cluster TA will support the following activities: (i) preparation of background analytical papers following the two-year rolling research plan, (ii) further development and refinement of analytical methods, (iii) drafting of ADO content, (iv) editing economic content and manuscripts, (v) preparation and laying out of materials for publication, and (vi) dissemination of key results and policy messages. In parallel, the cluster TA will support initiatives to build capacity for macroeconomic modelling and for generating growth projections and monitoring markets. The cluster TA will also undertake activities to evaluate the effectiveness of ADO outreach. ERMR will work with DER to attempt to capture broader and more useful client feedback. PROJECT RATIONALE AND LINKAGE TO COUNTRY/REGIONAL STRATEGY The Asian Development Outlook (ADO), one of ADB's flagship publications showcasing ADB's knowledge and expertise about the region, plays an important role in understanding such critical element for inclusive growth. This flagship report includes staff analysis of the macroeconomic prospects for all 45 of ADB's DMCs (henceforth, developing Asia) and provides insights into the current economic issues the region faces. Furthermore, in line with the 2013 staff guidelines to improve mainstreaming of inclusive growth into country partnership strategies, the theme chapters and the country chapter policy challenge sections analyze key obstacles to inclusive economic growth: (i) factors preventing productive employment generation, (ii) human development constraints, (iii) gender and other socioeconomic barriers, (iv) spatial and geographical limitations, (v) institutional and policy weaknesses, and (vi) factors preventing expansion of social protection programs. As one of the more prominent publications carrying ADB's name, the report is an important vehicle for publicizing ADB's knowledge and expertise about the region. Its content informs Management and underpins operational decisions. Concerted effort to produce high-quality publications every year is vital to ensure its usefulness to policy makers in ADB's DMCs, ADB Management and shareholders, and researchers globally. In 2011, ERCD (then ERD) undertook new initiatives in response to the growing demand for knowledge solutions from ADB's DMCs, knowledge-related support from within ADB, and an Asian voice in international fora. One such initiative is the formulation of a two-year rolling research plan centered on enhancing the quality of ADB's flagship publications. The extension of the research production process proved to be beneficial for the ADO as it allowed ERMR more time for in-depth analysis and rigorous peer review. The TA cluster approach is more appropriate to ensure that the two-year rolling research work will be continuously supported through timely engagement of experts and other activities. IMPACT The ADO influences the environment within which policy formulation occurs in some DMCs. CONSULTING SERVICES The ADO will require international consultancy from economists who will prepare the background papers and analyses on issues pertaining to the theme topic. International economic advisory and editing consultants will be required for the economic and technical editing of ADO manuscripts before final publication. An international expert on communication strategy will also be engaged to evaluate the effectiveness of ADO dissemination. National economics consultants and research assistants will be required to assist in data management and conduct research on issues related to macroeconomic development, growth, trade and investment, human capital development, and long-term employment generation in the Asia and Pacific region. National consultants will also be needed to render the desktop publishing and graphic design requirements of the publication. Resource persons will also be engaged for a maximum of 10 working days to conduct training on macroeconomics and economic forecasting and also serve as discussants during workshops. The consultants and resource persons will be recruited as individuals as the TA will require rapid mobilization of the editorial consultants and will involve independent studies where the consultant's experience and qualifications are the primary consideration. This will be done in accordance with the ADB Guidelines on the Use of Consultants (March 2013, as amended from time to time). PROCUREMENT To be determined

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