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IW-Report No. 43 15. October 2026 Wido Geis-Thöne

Fiscal Effects of Having Children

The fiscal effects of children are relevant to various areas of policymaking.

IW-Report No. 41 12. October 2026 Björn Kauder

A Comparison of Public Revenues Across the Federal States

To ensure equivalent living conditions, the federal government influences the revenues of the states and municipalities. Under the fiscal equalization system, financially weak states receive surpluses in the distribution of sales tax revenues, while financially strong states must accept shortfalls.

IW-Report No. 39 6. October 2026 Samina Sultan / Jürgen Matthes

German Foreign Investment and the debate over Germany as a business location

Geopolitical pressure and the debate over Germany’s competitiveness make it necessary to develop a more precise understanding of German foreign direct investment. This report provides a comprehensive empirical analysis and also examines the implications for Germany as a business location.

IW-Trends No. 3 29. September 2026 Dominik Enste / Jennifer Potthoff / Augustin Renz

The Honesty-Attitude-Behavior Gap: A Cross-Country Comparison

Honesty reduces transaction costs and is therefore a prerequisite for effective economic cooperation.

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External Publication 13. October 2026 Matthias Diermeier et al.

Universal entitlement, unequal provision: childcare in segregated German cities

One mechanism driving persistent inequalities in childcare provision, despite rising investments and a substantial expansion of childcare facilities, may consist in the locational choices of providers, who eschew poorer neighbourhoods.

External Publication 16. September 2026 Sarah Lichtenthäler / Adriana Neligan in Journal of Circular Economy

Complementary Capabilities for Circular Practices: Firm-Level Evidence in Germany on the Role of Digitalization and Innovation

The transition to a circular economy (CE) requires firms to reconfigure business models, processes and capabilities.

IW-Report No. 38 11. September 2026 Paula Risius et al.

Making Apprenticeships a Success: From Marketing to Hiring

In-company vocational training is a key factor in securing skilled labour. The first step in investing in future employees is to approach and recruit new apprentices. For many companies, filling the apprenticeship positions they offer is a challenge.

Expertise 11. September 2026 Axel Plünnecke et al

Transatlantic Subnational Innovation Competitiveness Index 3.0

Innovation and competitiveness drive productivity, economic growth, and welfare growth.

External Publication 9. September 2026 Vera Demary

GTIPA Perspectives: Making AI Policy to Drive Innovation

Germany’s federal structure leads to a diverse landscape of AI policies across the country. While the EU AI Act establishes a general framework for AI policy throughout the continent, Germany’s federal government is responsible for national AI policies.

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