IW-Policy Paper

The IW policy papers are published on current events and initiate political debates. They focus on the analysis and political classification of current decision papers and address a specialist audience with a close relationship to economic policy. They are published exclusively online.

Date | Relevance |

Michael Hüther / Markos Jung / Thomas Obst ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 10 ·
10 May 2021

Workforce potential of the German economy: Opportunities for growth and consolidation

Germany’s labour market faces substantial challenges caused by demographic change in the next decade. Looking back over the last 10 years we observe a key role regarding of a successful labour market integration leading to higher employment rates and fostering economic growth.

Hans-Peter Klös / Rahild Neuburger / Thomas Sattelberger / Dirk Werner ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 9 ·
7 May 2021

Business models and vocational training in the digital transformation

The technology driven development of business models is of great importance for the future of vocational education and training. Digital competencies - such as digital literacy, interaction, collaboration, and learning - are an indispensable part of vocational training for a modern working world to qualify future skilled workers for their professional life.

Galina Kolev / Hubertus Bardt ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 8 ·
26 April 2021

Trade Club for Climate

A trade policy approach to climate challenges can give a positive impetus to WTO reform based on the commitment to a common target and reinforced by the urgency of that target.

Martin Beznoska / Tobias Hentze / Michael Hüther ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 7 ·
13 April 2021

On the handling of the Corona Debt: Simulation calculations for the debt ratio

During the pandemic, the German government's debt level is expected to grow to EUR 2.7 trillion in 2022. The debt ratio will peak at 75 percent by the end of this year. Of the 650 billion additional national debt during the Corona crisis, around 480 billion euros can be classified as Corona-related.

Galina Kolev / Roland Kube / Thilo Schaefer/ Leon Stolle ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 6 ·
23 March 2021

Motivation, Design and Economic Implications of a CO2 Limit Offset in the EU

The European Green Deal stipulates an increase in the emissions reduction target for 2030 from 40 to 55 percent compared with the base year 1990. This also requires the ramp-up of extensive technology investments for a decarbonization pathway for industry, which tends to entail higher abatement costs.

An economic evaluation of legislative proposals

Galina Kolev / Adriana Neligan ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 5 ·
3 March 2021

Sustainability in supply chains

In many German companies, the implementation of sustainability is already well established. However, the complexity and uncertainties of global value chains make their seamless monitoring almost impossible. There are already numerous initiatives to strengthen sustainable business practices.

Hubertus Bardt / Michael Hüther ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 4 ·
17 February 2021

From Lockdown to the New Normal

For almost a year, German society and economy have been significantly constrained by the health threat posed by the Covid pandemic and the restrictions it has triggered. The consequences to date have amounted to one of the most severe economic crises in the history of the Federal Republic, significant educational shortcomings and increasing social problems. The rapid development of vaccines now raises the hope of pushing back the virus and gradually returning to normal life.

Martin Beznoska / Björn Kauder / Thomas Obst ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 2 ·
3 February 2021

Investment, human capital and growth effects of public spending

Unlike public sector consumption, public investment is often regarded as contributing to growth. Yet while spending on "intangible" goods such as education does not count as investment, even though it is potentially growth-enhancing, expenditure with little to no effect on growth often does.

Galina Kolev / Jürgen Matthes ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 1 ·
19 January 2021

It's all about China, stupid!: Trade Policy Perspectives after the Change of Power in the USA

The election of Joe Biden as the next US President was celebrated with great acclaim within the international community. The history of US trade policy shows that many Democrats, as US presidents, have succeeded in accelerating the trade liberalisation process.

Jürgen Matthes / Galina Kolev ·
IW-Policy Paper Nr. 28 ·
21 December 2020

RCEP: What the trade agreement means for the EU and the German economy

RCEP is relevant for Europe, but it is over-estimated in some respects. Compared with EU trade agreements, trade liberalisation remains low. This is mainly because, already before, about five sixths of intraregional trade took place between partners under bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs), so that tariffs reduction is low overall.