As an independent scientific institute, ZSI generates, disseminates and applies knowledge and skills (see also Methods & Skills) in thematic areas (see also Thematic Areas) that are of pertinent relevance to meet the grand societal challenges of our time. It employs around 55 persons, most of them researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds, working mainly in inter-disciplinary research fields and on projects. ZSI operations are subdivided into three departments: 1) Work and Equal Opportunities, 2) Technology and Knowledge and 3) Research Policy and Development. The unit for Research Policy and Development (responsible for BLACK SEA HORIZON) works on several nationally and internationally funded projects. Its core competencies comprise social-scientific S&T policy studies, patterns of techno-globalisation, international management of S&T, RTDI evaluation, co-publication analysis etc.