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We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.

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Research

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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. 83/26 - March 2026

Preparing Kids for Capitalism: The Effect of German Reunification on the Intergenerational Transmission of Preferences

Matthias Doepke, Mariko Klasing

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No. 82/26 - March 2026

Human Capital, Amenities, and Distortions: The Immigrant Earnings Gap across Space

Gabriele Lucchetti

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No. 81/26 - March 2026

Workplace Injury Risk and the Gender Wage Gap

Francesco Del Prato, Salvatore Lattanzio

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No. 80/26 - March 2026

Do Elections Moderate or Polarize Political Rhetoric?

Tito Boeri, Nina Nikiforova, Guido Tabellini

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Research Insights

Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

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No. 8/26 - March 2026

Working Longer and Staying Healthy? Insights from Increasing Danish Retirement Ages

Many countries are currently increasing retirement ages due to aging populations. A key concern remains: will this have negative health consequences?

Opportunity

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No. 7/26 - March 2026

How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate

Governments across advanced economies are trying to raise fertility without discouraging women from working.

Equity Human Capital Opportunity

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No. 6/26 - March 2026

Who Loses When Firms Are Bought: Labor Market Effects of Acquisitions

Evidence from Sweden suggests that mergers often lead to job losses and lasting pay cuts for workers, even when firms benefit.

Equity Human Capital Opportunity

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News

RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

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Press release

23 Mar 2026

Income Tax Reform Could Boost Birth Rates in Germany

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Press

16 Mar 2026 • F.A.Z.

Christian Dustmann on the Role of Diaspora Networks in Shaping Migration Patterns

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Press

13 Mar 2026

CReAM at RFBerlin Report on Migration Aspirations Widely Covered by German Media

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Press release

13 Mar 2026

Germany most likely Destination for the Largest Share of Refugees if Middle East War Triggers Cross-Border Migration

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Tweets by @RF_Berlin

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

13h

🧠RFBerlin Research Insight!

Will working longer make you sick?

📰A study from Denmark by @akborgbjerg, @HansSigaard, @MichaelSvarer and Rune Vejlin says not necessarily.

A 6-month rise in retirement age boosted employment by 27% with limited health effects, possibly because

Reply on Twitter 2036746087101333561 Retweet on Twitter 2036746087101333561 2 Like on Twitter 2036746087101333561 5

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

24 Mar

📄 New RFBerlin Paper!

When does workplace control backfire?

@GuidoFriebel, Matthias Heinz, Mitchell Hoffman, Tobias Kretschmer, and Nikolay Zubanov show that excess control via management practices can harm both performance and worker well-being, and that removing them can

Reply on Twitter 2036486058553061388 Retweet on Twitter 2036486058553061388 Like on Twitter 2036486058553061388 1

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin @rf_berlin ·

24 Mar

📄 New RFBerlin Paper!

Why is politics reluctant to engage with AI?

@giac_bat, @federico_boffa, @eugeniolevi, @AlbiParmigiani, and Steven Stillman show that politicizing AI can actually reduce citizens’ willingness to engage, making it harder to build broad support.

🔗

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Retweet on Twitter ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin Retweeted

Jaime Arellano-Bover @j_arellanobover ·

24 Mar

9/9 Thanks for reading!

Link to @RF_Berlin discussion paper here 👇

Reply on Twitter 2036443317433504009 Retweet on Twitter 2036443317433504009 1 Like on Twitter 2036443317433504009 1

Upcoming events

RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.

RFBerlin Event

26 Mar – 27 Mar 2026

RFBerlin Migration Forum

Migration: Drivers, Consequences, and Governance

RFBerlin Event

14 April 2026

Berlin Labor Economists Workshop 2026

Conference

16 Apr – 17 Apr 2026

Health and Economic Well-Being: Evidence, Policy, and Frontiers

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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.

We conduct independent research into significant challenges to the economy, society and the welfare state in a global world.

Become part of our research team

Research

Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity

Migration & Global Collaboration

Technology, Trade & Human Capital

Discussion papers

Research Insights

Working Longer and Staying Healthy? Insights from Increasing Danish Retirement Ages

How Germany Could Raise Its Low Birth Rate

Who Loses When Firms Are Bought: Labor Market Effects of Acquisitions

News

Income Tax Reform Could Boost Birth Rates in Germany

Christian Dustmann on the Role of Diaspora Networks in Shaping Migration Patterns

CReAM at RFBerlin Report on Migration Aspirations Widely Covered by German Media

Germany most likely Destination for the Largest Share of Refugees if Middle East War Triggers Cross-Border Migration

Upcoming events

RFBerlin Event

RFBerlin Migration Forum

RFBerlin Event

Berlin Labor Economists Workshop 2026

Conference

Health and Economic Well-Being: Evidence, Policy, and Frontiers

Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews

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