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. 167/25 - December 2025
Quality Upgrading in Global Supply Chains: Evidence from Colombian Coffee
Rocco Macchiavello, Josepa Miquel-Florensa, Nicolas de Roux, Eric Verhoogen, Mario Bernasconi, Patrick Farrell
No. 166/25 - December 2025
No. 165/25 - December 2025
The Departed: Italian Migration and the American Mafia
Massimo Anelli, Paolo Pinotti, Zachary Porreca
No. 164/25 - December 2025
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.
News
RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.


9 May 2025 β’ SΓΌddeutsche Zeitung, MSN, Hasepost
Research on Inflation Trends in Bundesliga Market Values in the Media
View article
9 May 2025
Co-determination institutions: deeply rooted in many Danish firms, but others lacking formal employee involvement
View article
Tweets by @RF_Berlin
π§ New RFBerlin Research Insight!
π₯ @luo_qinyue, @LiaoliangZ & Xinhan Zhang
Using a unique setting in China where age caps in job ads are legal, this study reveals how explicit age requirements shape who applies, and who doesn’t.
One of the surprising findings? Even younger
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
Handbook of Labor Economics β 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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