Brief Portrait
WIFO is the leading institute in the field of applied empirical economic research in Austria. Founded in 1927 by Friedrich August von Hayek and Ludwig von Mises, the institute analyses and forecasts Austrian and international economic developments. WIFO is a non-profit organisation and independent of politics and business in its scientific activities. Its core task is to act as a bridge between academic fundamental research and economic policy application, built on the foundation of carefully developed empirical analyses. The findings of its research serve to underpin economic policy and business decisions, and to bring greater objectivity to economic policy discussions.
Facts and Figures
- approx. 100 employees
- Five research areas:
RA1: Macroeconomics and European Economic Policy
RA2: Labour Market, Income and Social Security
RA3: Industrial Economics, Innovation and International Competition
RA4: Structural Change and Regional Development
RA5: Environment, Agriculture and Energy
- Economic database: WIFO maintains an extensive database accessible via the WIFO website. The most important statistics on the Austrian economy can also be retrieved free of charge through the website.
- Library: The WIFO library covers economics publications with a collecting focus on Austria, OECD and EU countries. It is also open to external visitors, and the catalogue is available online.
Climate Focus
Environment, Agriculture and Energy
This research area focuses on the analysis of international climate and energy policy (in particular that of Austria and the EU), long-term scenarios for sustainable development, macroeconomic modelling, the development of indicators for prosperity and sustainable development, and policy advice. Key emphases include the role of technological change as a contribution to sustainable development, as well as the demand for energy services. The modelling of long-term climate and energy scenarios (2030/2050) and the identification of sustainable pathways for emissions reduction form a central element of national policy advice in this field.
At the national level, strategies for transforming the energy system are developed in cooperation with universities and research institutions, and legislative as well as political measures designed to ensure that targets are met are evaluated (energy strategy, climate protection law). Further key research topics for the decarbonisation of the economy and society include environmental technologies and environmental innovations, as well as sustainable consumption, sustainable production and the measurement of prosperity.
Further Links
For more information, please visit:
http://www.wifo.ac.at/ueber_das_wifo/organisation
http://www.wifo.ac.at/forschung/umwelt_landwirtschaft_undnbspenergie