ifo Media Center
The ifo Institute invites you to participate in the discussion of interesting economic topics via the Internet. In our ifo Media Center a whole series of remarkable events are available and can be viewed in full length. We also record selected speeches and presentations given by employees or at events and make them available in our Media Center.
Economists Call For Reform Of EU Research Policy
A report by a group of economists from France, Germany and Italy criticizes the EU’s innovation policy and the direction of spending on research and development in Europe and calls for changes. "The continent is caught in a mid-tech trap", warn ifo President Clemens Fuest.
Germany Only In The Middle Of The Pack
Germany’s current attractiveness as a location for homegrown companies ranks only in the middle among its European peers. When asked to rate Germany’s attractiveness as a business location, the experts there awarded it 61.3 points out of a possible 100. Austria achieved 72.4 points, while Switzerland scored 72.6 points.
Right-Wing Populist Voters Favor Dismantling The Welfare State
Voters of right-wing populist parties are increasingly in favor of dismantling the welfare state in order to be able to compete with other countries. “The right-wing populist spectrum sees the welfare state as a form of redistribution towards immigrants,” explains Marcel Thum, Director of the ifo Institute’s Dresden Branch.
Parenthood Increases Inequality Between Women And Men In Germany
Inequality in the labor market between men and women in Germany is at its greatest when there are children involved, finds an international research group. Among 30-year-olds, mothers earn on average 70 to 80% less than fathers, whereas the difference is less than 5% for childless people of the same age.
ifo Business Climate Index rises (March 2024)
Sentiment in German companies has improved noticeably. The ifo Business Climate Index rose to 87.8 points in March, up from 85.7 points in February. In particular, companies’ expectations turned much less pessimistic. Assessments of the current business situation also improved. The German economy glimpses light on the horizon.
ifo Economic Forecast Spring 2024: German Economy Paralyzed
The ifo Institute has reduced its growth forecast for the current year to 0.2%, down from 0.7% in January and 0.9% in December. But for next year, it raised its growth estimate by 0.2 percentage points to 1.5%.
ifo Business Climate Index Falls (December 2023)
Sentiment in German business has clouded over. The ifo Business Climate Index fell to 86.4 points in December, down from 87.2 points (seasonally adjusted) in November. Companies were less satisfied with their current business. They were also more skeptical about the first half of 2024. As the year draws to a close, the German economy remains weak.
