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THE RWI

RWI  Leibniz Institute for Economic Research

RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research (formerly Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung) is a leading center for scientific research and evidence-based policy advice in Germany and a member of the Leibniz Association. It was founded in 1926 and has operated in legal independence as a registered association since 1943; it serves exclusively non-profit purposes.

RWI's work provides information on economic developments and their causes, facilitates informed decisions by policymakers and companies, and promotes public understanding of economic interrelationships. RWI's research is critically monitored by an international scientific advisory board. In addition, the Institute is regularly evaluated by the Senate of the Leibniz Association.

RWI's research - based on the latest theoretical concepts and modern empirical methods - ranges from the individual to the level of the global economy, and is organized in five departments: “Climate Change and Development”, "Labor Markets, Education, Population", "Health Economics", "Environment and Resources" and "Macroeconomics and Public Finance".

The research groups "Micro Structure of Taxes and Transfers", "Prosocial Behaviour" as well as the Ruhr Research Data Center (FDZ) enrich these departments.

RWI receives funding from the federal government and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This public grant accounts for just under two-thirds of the institute's total revenues. In addition, RWI receives funding from research contracts, which also mainly come from public clients such as the federal and state ministries.