Cologne Institute for Economic Research (IW)
The Cologne Institute for Economic Research (Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft Köln – IW Köln), established in 1951, is the largest privately financed economic think tank in Germany. Headquartered in Cologne, it also maintains a branch office in Berlin and a liaison office in Brussels. A registered non-profit organisation, its members are employers’ and industrial associations as well as individual companies across most sectors of the economy. The main aim of the Cologne Institute for Economic Research is to promote a better understanding of Germany’s social market economy, focusing on the principles of competition and entrepreneurship. It aims to initiate debate and to develop optimal policy strategies for Germany, Europe and the international economy.
The Institute’s research department publishes its analyses in a wide range of both academic and more popular formats. In addition to addressing policy makers, academics, and business people, the Institute’s communications strategy is focused on the general public and the media. A wide range of services is provided to the Institute’s member organisations while its experts also serve as advisors, work for commissions, and give testimony to government bodies
