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. 102/25 - November 2025
The Lasting Effects of Working while in School: A Long-Term Follow-Up
Mery Ferrando, Noemi Katzkowicz, Thomas Le Barbanchon, Diego Ubfal
No. 101/25 - November 2025
A Loan You Can’t Refuse: Credit Rationing and Organized Crime Infiltration of Distressed Firms
Paolo Pinotti, Gianmarco Daniele, Marco De Simoni, Domenico Marchetti, Giovanna Marcolongo
No. 100/25 - November 2025
No. 99/25 - November 2025
Bargaining and Inequality in the Labor Market
Sydnee Caldwell, Ingrid Haegele, Jörg Heining
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

No. 3/25 - October 2025
The Long-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Health and Labor Market Outcomes: Evidence from Socialist East Germany
New evidence shows that sustained exposure to dirty air can harm health for decades and can lower lifetime earnings.
Learn more
No. 2/25 - October 2025
Should we keep expanding the number of university graduates? Lessons from the UK in 1960-2004
When almost everyone can go to university, what becomes of inequality and opportunity once policy meets reality?
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No. 1/25 - September 2025
The Winners and Losers of Collective Bargaining Decentralization
In Italy, national agreements between unions and employers set wages and conditions. New evidence reveals how firms opting out of this system reshape pay, job stability, and survival.
Learn moreNews
RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.


5 Nov 2025 • Süddeutsche Zeitung
Claudia Goldin on Gender Equality, Work, and Family Policy
View article

3 Nov 2025 • La Repubblica
Izabela Wnuk-Soares on Poland’s Economic Growth and EU Integration
View articleTweets by @RF_Berlin
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
RFBerlin Event
13 Nov – 14 Nov 2025
RFBerlin EU/UK Administrative Data Workshop
Internal Event
RFBerlin Masterclass
18 Nov – 19 Nov 2025
“Forced Migration: Insights from Economic History” by Sascha O. Becker
RFBerlin Event
26 Mar – 27 Mar 2026
RFBerlin Migration Forum
Migration: Drivers, Consequences, and Governance
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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