We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.
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Research
The ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin Institute for the Economy and the Future of Work (RFBerlin) engages in research designed to raise the standard of public debate and create the best possible basis for policy making.
Discussion papers
No. 120/26 - April 2026
No. 119/26 - April 2026
No. 118/26 - April 2026
Pre-AI Sorting, Post-AI Inequality: Generative AI and the Gender Wage Gap
Joacim TÃ¥g, Fredrik Heyman, Malin Gardberg, Martin Olsson
No. 117/26 - April 2026
Buying Out the Means of Production: Wages and Productivity in Labor-Managed Firms
Elia Benveniste
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

No. 12/26 - April 2026
The Invasion of Ukraine Increased Public Support for Putin
Western policy discussions often centre on the idea that military spending, economic sanctions, and battlefield losses will eventually erode domestic support for the Kremlin. This study provides evidence of what happened to Russian public opinion when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
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No. 11/26 - April 2026
When Robots Enter the Workplace: How Automation Shapes Children’s Future Prospects
Industrial robots and other automation technologies have transformed labour markets in recent decades. Not much is known about the long-run consequences of these technological changes, especially whether their effects extend beyond the workers directly exposed to automation and spill over to the next generation.
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No. 10/26 - April 2026
Unlucky Migrants: Migrating During a Recession Can Lower Immigrants’ Earnings for More Than a Decade
Does the state of the economy matter when immigrants arrive in a host country? Our study shows that it does – and the effects can last for years.
Learn moreCReAM Reports
Data-driven reports on migration and related economic and social trends, highlighting the latest developments across Europe and beyond.

No. 3/26 - April 2026
The Immigrant Population in the European Union: Growth, Concentration and Dispersion
The EU hosts a record 64 million foreign-born residents, with migration continuing to grow strongly, though unevenly across countries. While Germany and Spain dominate in absolute numbers, smaller Member States often face greater relative pressure. These patterns are mirrored in asylum and refugee dynamics, where applications and protection needs are highly concentrated in a few countries, yet vary substantially in both origin and relative burden across the EU.
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No. 2/26 - March 2026
Migration Aspirations, Diaspora Networks and Refugee Destinations from Iran and Lebanon
Migration aspirations in Iran and Lebanon closely follow existing diaspora networks and refugee corridors, with Germany and Canada as both major hosts and top preferred destinations. If displacement rises, flows are likely to concentrate in a few high-income countries, with education influencing how broadly potential destinations are considered.
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No. 1/26 - February 2026
Four Years On: What Gallup Data Reveal About Staying, Leaving, and Life Expectations in Ukraine
Migration aspirations in Ukraine fell sharply after the 2022 invasion, dropping from around one-third of adults pre-war to below 15% by 2023–2024. This decline is broad-based and may reflect stronger attachment to the country and optimism about future recovery, while Germany remains the most preferred destination among those who still wish to emigrate.
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RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

22 Apr 2026
CReAM Report on Immigrant Population in the EU Featured in Global Media Outlets
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30 Mar 2026
German Media Mentions RFBerlin Insight on How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate
View articleTweets by @RF_Berlin
El número de inmigrantes que viven en la UE bate récord en 2025, con 64 millones frente a l40 millones en 2010, según estudio de @RF_Berlin Alemania sigue siendo el principal destino pero España el que más rápido crece, casi igualando ya a Francia.
🧠New RFBerlin Research Insight!
Foreign wars sometimes boost leaders’ popularity at home.
A study by Mikael Elinder, Oscar Erixson & @ollehammar examines Russian public opinion before and after the invasion, revealing a powerful rally effect that reshaped attitudes far beyond
Can providing information reduce risky migration?
Last month on VoxDev, @giac_bat (@RF_Berlin), Lucia Corno (@Unicatt) & @elianalaferrara (@Kennedy_School) outlined an informational intervention on the risks of irregular migration in Guinea:
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
RFBerlin Masterclass
23 Apr – 24 Apr 2026
“Skills and human capital in the labor market” by Mikko Silliman
RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar
24 April 2026
Mikko Silliman (Aalto University)
Multidimensional skills and spatial sorting
RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar
28 April 2026
Sabrina Di Addario (Bank of Italy)
Shedding Light on Inventors in Italy
Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews
In anticipation of the upcoming Handbook of Labor Economics, we offer early access to select chapters through our Discussion Papers series. Following our 2023 conference on this new edition, first chapters are now available for preview, featuring insights from leading research in economics and labor.

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