Mission and strategy
WIFO, founded in 1927 by Friedrich August von Hayek and Ludwig von Mises for the purpose of business cycle analysis, is today
the leading institute for applied empirical economic research in Austria with a strong commitment at a European level.
WIFO is a non-profit, independent economic research institute. Through highest quality research, economic policy advice and
communication, the Institute builds a bridge between basic academic research and economic policy application. It creates scientific
evidence to inform economic policy and business decision-makers as well as the general public. In this way, it makes a significant
contribution to solving economic and socio-political challenges. WIFO prepares empirical analyses with scientific integrity
and state-of-the-art methods. It communicates its results in scientific publications, policy reports and with the help of
broad-based public relations work.
Range of services
- analysis and forecast of economic, social and ecological trends,
- scientific research and analyses on relevant topics,
- quality-assured economic data,
- simulation and evaluation of the effects of economic policy measures,
- evidence-based economic policy advice at national and international level,
- impartial information for economic policy, public and international organisations,
- design and implementation of (business) surveys.
WIFO's research is based on a broad theoretical economic foundation and on state-of-the-art empirical methods. The five research
areas, which are structured according to economic disciplines (macroeconomics, labour and social affairs, industrial, regional
and environmental economics) and which are the cornerstones of WIFO's organisation underpin its bridging function. WIFO maintains
and develops detailed models for the analysis of micro-, macro-, regional and environmental economic issues as well as sophisticated
econometric know-how. In combination with its comprehensive coverage of economic disciplines, WIFO is able to identify synergies
and trade-offs of economic policy measures on an economic, social and ecological level.
Extensive experience in handling and visualising complex data as well as detailed knowledge of the institutional foundations
of national and European economic policy ensure a high quality of research. WIFO also cooperates with universities and research
institutions abroad and is advised by an international scientific advisory board. It cooperates closely with the Economic
and Social Science Computing Center (WSR) to ensure an efficient IT and data infrastructure.