Sebastian T. Braun

Zentrum für Europäische Wirtschaftsforschung GmbH (ZEW) is an independent investment research firm headquartered in Mannheim, Germany. Founded in 1990, the firm conducts research in the field of applied and policy-oriented economics and provides national and international research with important data sets via its research data center. They support politicians, companies and administrations at national and European level in overcoming economic policy challenges through in-depth advice. ZEW pursues the economic analysis of functioning markets and institutions in Europe as an overarching research guiding principle. Their main research interests are in the areas of competition and regulation. Methodologically, research at ZEW is based in particular on microeconomic and micro econometric approaches.

The National Institute of Economic & Social Research, founded in 1938, produces economic projections for the regions of the UK using data from NiGEM and a combination of approaches. The institute collaborates with external partners, including the UK Productivity Commission, to identify future policy choices. The private company is based in London, UK. NIESR produces a comprehensive forecast for the Economic Outlook each quarter using its leading forecasting tool, NiGEM. Before each evidence session, the Productivity Commission invites academics and practitioners in the field of productivity to share their views.

The German Institute for Economic Research (dba DIW Berlin) is a private economic research institute headquartered in Berlin, Germany. Founded n 1925, the firm conducts socially relevant research in line with international standards, engages in knowledge transfer, and supports young researchers. The institute analyzes the economic and social aspects of topical issues, formulating and disseminating policy advice based on its research findings. DIW Berlin is a member of the Leibniz Association and operates exclusively for non-profit scientific purposes.

ifo Institut – Leibniz Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung e.V. is an independent research firm headquartered in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1949, the firm focuses on five areas of activity: policy advisory work, provision of information/services, participation in public debate, promotion of junior economists, and research in economics.