Ifo Institute for Economic Research

The Ifo Institute for Economic Research is a Munich-based research institution. Ifo is an acronym from Information and Forschung (research). As one of Germany's largest economic think-tanks, it analyses economic policy and is widely known for its monthly Ifo Business Climate Index for Germany. Its research output is significant: about a quarter of the articles published by German research institutes in international journals in economics in 2006 were from Ifo researchers.MissionAccording to its by-laws, the aim of the Ifo Institute is to conduct empirical research in the fields of economics and social science, and to supply data, information and research results in economics and economic policy. The results of Ifo’s work are made accessible to the general public and should – according to Ifo’s by-laws – support decision-making in academia, business, politics and administration. Supplying the public with economic data. The Institute organizes seminars and presentations by and for its own researchers and other economists. The well-known Ifo Business Climate Index is Ifo’s most prominent instrument for business cycle analyses. With its DICE database the Ifo Institute offers cross-country comparisons of systematic information on institutions and regulations. The Institute also publishes a number of journals in economics. Generating its own data (e.g. Ifo Business Climate Index) via its corporate surveys. Providing policy advice to influential public agencies, especially to federal and state ministries in Germany. Developing models to simulate the effects of market intervention in the economy. Research in economics. : Ifo’s research prior to 1999 was heavily geared towards its advisory function. Following the recommendation of the Scientific Advisory Council a stronger university orientation was followed as of 1999. As a research organisation the Ifo Institute cooperates closely with many German universities, especially with the University of Munich (LMU), as well as with numerous domestic and foreign research institutes. The Institute has a branch in Dresden, which focuses on analysis of economic developments in Saxony and the other new states.