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




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. 84/25 - October 2025
No. 83/25 - October 2025
The Making of a Ghetto: Place-Based Policies, Labeling, and Impacts on Neighborhoods and Individuals
Yajna Govind, Jack Melbourne, Sara Signorelli, Edith Zink
No. 82/25 - October 2025
The Polarization Paradox: Why More Connections Can Divide Us
Arthur Campbell, C. Matthew Leister, Philip Ushchev, Yves Zenou
No. 81/25 - October 2025
Migratory Responses to Air Pollution Reduction: Evidence from Large-scale Desulfurization Programme
Štěpán Mikula, Mariola Pytliková
Research Insights
Concise, research-based articles for scholars,
policymakers, and anyone curious about the world.

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?
Learn more
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.

7 Oct 2025 • Financial Times
RFBerlin Affiliates Featured in Financial Times on Graduate Employment Choices
View article

3 Oct 2025
CReAM Report: From Syria to Ukraine: Refugee Inflows and Trends in the European Union
Read Report
Upcoming events
RFBerlin hosts a wide array of events aimed at fostering academic research and collaboration.
RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar
21 October 2025
Andrea Weber (Central European University)
Do Politicians Affect Firm Outcomes? Evidence from Connections to the German Federal Parliament
RFBerlin Masterclass
23 Oct – 24 Oct 2025
“Job search, unemployment insurance, and active labor market policies” by Andrea Weber
RFBerlin Applied Economics Seminar
28 October 2025
Jonas Loebbing (Center for Economic Studies at LMU Munich)
Welfare Effects of Automation with Redistributive Taxes
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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