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

Call for Papers: RFBerlin Migration Forum 2027

CReAM@RFBerlin invites submissions for the third RFBerlin Migration Forum, on migration, integration, and economic competitiveness, with keynotes by Jens Hainmueller (Stanford) and Giovanni Peri (UC Davis).
Submission deadline: 8 November 2026.

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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. 280/26 - October 2026

Understanding Migration Responses to Local Shocks

Kirill Borusyak, Rafael Dix-Carneiro, Brian Kovak

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No. 279/26 - October 2026

Migrant Regularization as Climate Adaptation

Francesco Amodio, Elia Benveniste, Mario Francesco Carillo, Marc Riudavets-Barcons

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No. 278/26 - October 2026

Cats, Dogs, and Babies: Quasi-Experimental Evidence on Substitutes or Complements from Linked Administrative Records

Kuan-Ming Chen, Ming-Jen Lin, Hau-Hung Yang, Shirley Yu-Hsuan Yen

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No. 277/26 - October 2026

The Paradox of Inequality

Oded Galor, Luca Pensieroso, Daniel C. Wainstock

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Research Insights

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

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No. 38/26 - October 2026

Regime Change and Occupational Mobility: How German Reunification Reshuffled the Labor Market

When the Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989, East Germany's workforce faced a transformation unlike anything seen in post-war Europe. This insight shows that East German workers experienced far greater occupational mobility than their West German counterparts born in the same years.

Opportunity

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No. 37/26 - September 2026

When Knowledge Crosses Borders – Economic Espionage and Technological Progress

From semiconductors to artificial intelligence, concerns about economic espionage have become a central feature of geopolitical competition. But one fundamental question has remained surprisingly difficult to answer: does stealing technological knowledge actually improve economic performance?

Human Capital Opportunity Technology

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No. 36/26 - September 2026

Can AI-Powered Mental Health Apps Improve Well-Being

Can a mental health app on your phone sustainably improve psychological wellbeing? New evidence from Mexico suggests that it can.

Opportunity Technology

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CReAM Reports

Data-driven reports on migration and related economic and social trends, highlighting the latest developments across Europe and beyond.

All CReAM Reports

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.

Demography Human Capital

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No. 2/26 - March 2026

Migration Aspirations, Diaspora Networks and Refugee Destinations from Iran and Lebanon

Migration from Iran and Lebanon largely follows existing diaspora routes, especially to Germany and Canada. If displacement rises, flows will likely concentrate in a few high-income countries, with education shaping how widely destinations are considered.

Integration Migration

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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 2022, dropping from about one-third of adults pre-war to under 15% by 2023–2024. The decline is widespread, likely reflecting stronger attachment and recovery optimism, with Germany still the top destination among those who wish to leave.

Migration Opportunity

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News

RFBerlin research and researchers are regularly featured in the press.

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Announcement Call for paper CReAM at RFBerlin

30 Sep 2026

Call for Papers for RFBerlin Migration Forum 2027 is now open.

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Press release

28 Sep 2026

Espionage boosted East Germany’s economic output by 7.4 per cent

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Press release

7 Sep 2026

Wage caps can lead to less management quality in state-owned firms

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Podcast

20 Aug 2026 • RFBerlin Podcast: Working Papers

Who actually helps you find a job? What German reunification reveals about how we really find work, and the one connection that makes the difference.

Listen now

Tweets by @RF_Berlin

ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin

Verified account @rf_berlin ·

23 Oct

RFBerlin Director Christian Dustmann presented "Understanding Immigration's Labor Market Effects" at the Immigration Policy Lab's Science of International Migration Seminar (SIMS) series! Watch his full talk here:

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ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin

Verified account @rf_berlin ·

23 Oct

⏳ Just a few weeks left to submit to the RFBerlin Migration Forum 2027.
We welcome research on migration, integration, economic competitiveness, and more.
📅 Submission deadline: 8 November
https://www.rfberlin.com/event/migrationforum27/

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ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin

Verified account @rf_berlin ·

22 Oct

Next week Tuesday 27 October, we welcome Michael Keane, Wm. Polk Carey Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School to Berlin for our Applied Economics Seminar Series!
📄 He will give a seminar on "Human Capital and Optimal Taxation", exploring how

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ROCKWOOL Foundation Berlin

Verified account @rf_berlin ·

21 Oct

With closing remarks by RFBerlin Director Christian Dustmann today's workshop comes to an end. Thank you to everyone involved, it was an inspiring day! 🎉

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Upcoming events

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

Applied Economics Seminar

17 November 2026

Evan K. Rose (University of Chicago)

Employment Opportunities and Jail Bookings: Evidence from Hiring Assessment Thresholds

Applied Economics Seminar

24 November 2026

Tatiana Mocanu (Columbia University)

TBA

Applied Economics Seminar

1 December 2026

Oskar Nordström Skans (Uppsala University)

TBA

View all events

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.

Call for Papers: RFBerlin Migration Forum 2027

Become part of our research team

Research

Equity, Inclusion & Opportunity

Migration & Global Collaboration

Technology, Trade & Human Capital

Discussion papers

Research Insights

CReAM Reports

News

Call for Papers for RFBerlin Migration Forum 2027 is now open.

Espionage boosted East Germany’s economic output by 7.4 per cent

Wage caps can lead to less management quality in state-owned firms

Who actually helps you find a job? What German reunification reveals about how we really find work, and the one connection that makes the difference.

Upcoming events

Applied Economics Seminar

Evan K. Rose (University of Chicago)

Applied Economics Seminar

Tatiana Mocanu (Columbia University)

Applied Economics Seminar

Oskar Nordström Skans (Uppsala University)

Handbook of Labor Economics – Chapter Previews

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