About us
Informality Data Research Lab (IDRL)
Informality Data Research Lab (IDRL) is an innovative initiative dedicated to the study of informality in socio-economic contexts. Established by a young group of researchers from the National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection (INCSMPS) and a team of PhD students from the Business Economics Data Science Lab (BEDSL) at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (ASE), our lab is at the forefront of analysing the challenges and dynamics of informal economies, labour conditions, and various market sectors affected by informality.
Our Mission
The mission of the Informality Data Research Lab is to advance knowledge and foster innovation in understanding informal economies and labor markets. We aim to provide data-driven insights and solutions to inform policy, support economic development, and promote social protection. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, we seek to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities associated with informality in a rapidly changing world.
Vision
We strive to become a leading research hub that transforms how informal economies, labour markets, and their impacts are studied, driving evidence-based policies that improve social protection and economic resilience at the European and global levels.
Vision
We strive to become a leading research hub that transforms how informal economies, labour markets, and their impacts are studied, driving evidence-based policies that improve social protection and economic resilience at the European and global levels.
Our Values
Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of academic honesty and transparency in all our research endeavors.
Collaboration
Fostering partnerships across academia, industry, and public sectors to enhance the impact of our research.
Innovation
Employing cutting-edge data research methods to push the boundaries of knowledge in informality studies.
Social Impact
Striving to ensure that our research positively impacts communities and informs equitable economic policies.
History
The Informality Data Research Lab (IDRL) emerged in 2024 as a research group established through a collaborative initiative between the National Scientific Research Institute for Labour and Social Protection (INCSMPS) and the Business Economics Data Science Lab (BEDSL) at the Bucharest University of Economic Studies (BUES).
It was born out of a need to better understand the informal economy’s growing impact on European socio-economic development. Initiated by a young team of researchers and PhD students, IDRL quickly established itself as a platform dedicated to the empirical analysis of informality, addressing the pressing challenges faced by policymakers and contributing to academic discussions.
Key milestones include the launch of the mini-track From Invisible to Insightful: Bringing Shadow Economy Discussions into the Spotlight of Informality.ro at the International Conference on Labour, Education, and Social Protection (ICLES); the publication of informality reports such as Shadow Economy Index in Romania and Moldova and Embedding Informality into Sustainable Development Indexes for Europe; and the development of the Regional Shadow Economy Dashboard for Central and Eastern Europe.
Meet The Team
Our lab is composed of a dynamic and diverse team of researchers, academics, and students who
share a passion for informality studies. Below are a few of our key team members:
Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu
Head of the Informality Data Research Lab and Senior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Marina-Diana Agafiței
Junior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Passionate research creates lasting change.“
Maria-Bianca Bolboașă
Junior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Data illuminates the path to a better tomorrow.”
Maria Cristina Geambașu
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Curiosity fuels us, evidence shapes us, truth defines us.”
Eduard Mihai Manta
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Driven by data, be dedicated to making progress that truly matters.”
David Adrian Lițescu
Web Developer and Data Integration Specialist at Informality.ro
“Data and technology solve complex problems and create impactful change.”
Nooruldeen Al Sammarraie
Web Developer and Data Integration Specialist at Informality.ro
“Technology turns vision into reality, transforming barriers into gateways.”
Roberto Dell’Anno​
Senior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Where curiosity meets rigor, knowledge moves society forward.”
Zouhair Ennaoumi
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Take a simple idea and take it seriously.”
Ioana Bîrlan
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Where data meets responsibility, research becomes impact.”
Partners & Collaborators
At IDRL, we believe that collaboration amplifies the impact of our work. Over the years, we’ve partnered with different research institutions and start-ups to expand the scope of our research.
Adriana AnaMaria Davidescu
Head of the Informality Data Research Lab and Senior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
Roberto Dell’Anno
Senior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Where curiosity meets rigor, knowledge moves society forward.”
Marina-Diana Agafiței
Junior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Passionate research creates lasting change.“
Maria-Bianca Bolboașă
Junior Researcher in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Data illuminates the path to a better tomorrow.”
Maria Cristina Geambașu
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Curiosity fuels us, evidence shapes us, truth defines us.”
Eduard Mihai Manta
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Driven by data, be dedicated to making progress that truly matters.”
David Adrian Lițescu
Web Developer and Data Integration Specialist at Informality.ro
“Data and technology solve complex problems and create impactful change.”
Nooruldeen Al Sammarraie
Web Developer and Data Integration Specialist at Informality.ro
“Technology turns vision into reality, transforming barriers into gateways.”
Zouhair Ennaoumi
Associate PhD Student in Shadow Economy Dynamics and Analysis
“Take a simple idea and take it seriously.”
Partners & Collaborators
At IDRL, we believe that collaboration amplifies the impact of our work. Over the years, we’ve partnered with different research institutions and start-ups to expand the scope of our research.