German Economic Institute (IW)

The German Economic Institute (IW) is a private industry-sponsored research institute. It is a registered association with a membership consisting of some 110 German business and employers' associations as well as a number of individual companies. It combines research, consultancy and communication services. It says it believes in a socially responsible free market economy and advocates for a liberal economic and social order. Its work is aimed at policy-makers, the general public, business and the scientific community.