The IMK covers a wide range of macroeconomic topics. Academic research at the IMK is currently classified into four key research areas:

1) Business Cycle Analysis

A solid analysis of the business cycle is a key interest of the IMK as this provides the basis for adequate policy recommendations. The analysis involves various methods of time series econometrics, not least for an early detection of economic turning points.

2) Long-term Effects of Economic Policy

The main issue in this research area is to what extent economic policies can stabilise the business cycle and economic growth. Whereas most economists accept the existence of positive short-term effects of economic policies, they often doubt a long-term impact of monetary and fiscal policy on real activity. The objective of this research area is to provide a sound theoretical explanation of economic policy effects as well as to gauge their quantitative impact. At the same time economic policy measures that enhance growth are to be identified.

3) Inflation and Deflation in a Monetary Union

Since the introduction of the Euro on January 1st, 1999 monetary policy in the euro area has focused exclusively on the euro area average. The European Central Bank (ECB) does not consider diverging developments in the individual member states a problem. However, the assessment of divergence in a monetary union depends on the adjustment mechanisms at work. It is of particular interest, whether the adjustment process enhances the differences or diminishes them. This research area provides insight as to how asymmetric shocks are absorbed in a monetary union and how fiscal and wage policies affect the national inflation rates.

4) Macroeconomic Analysis of the Labour Market

The research area macroeconomic analysis of the labour market focuses on the relationship between growth, the business cycle, wage developments and other macroeconomic variables on the one hand and the level and change of employment and unemployment on the other hand. Research activities involve econometric analyses both in a national and an international context, which also serve as a basis for economic policy advice.

For a list of researchers according to their interests, please see: http://www.boeckler.de/36176_36388.html .

Project outlines can be found on the following website: http://www.boeckler.de/31943.html (in German); http://www.boeckler.de/36176.html (in English)

Titles of some ongoing projects:

Labour market, macro policies and employment in Europe

Financial system and economic growth

Research Network Macro Policies - Alternative Conceptions of Macro Policies under the Conditions of Unemployment, Globalisation and High Public Debt

The research findings of the IMK are presented at conferences and workshops both in Germany and abroad. With its own conferences and workshops the IMK creates a forum for the discussion of research findings of the IMK staff and external researchers. The online publications of the Hans-Böckler-Foundation offer free access to the IMK's research findings. The latter are also published in referenced journals and other external publications.

Other publications:

IMK News / English

This newsletter informs you about current research projects, publications, events and other news of the Macroeconomic Policy Institute (IMK).

The IMK report is published in German and treats current economic issues. On a limited amount of pages it delivers analysis of the economic development and the economic policy as well as forecasts.

The IMK Working Paper series offers economic papers for an academic audience. They are published in English irregularly.

The IMK Studies are devoted to in-depth analysis. This series is also the medium for expertises. The IMK Studies are published in the relevant language, usually German or English.

The Macroeconomic Policy Institute is actively involved in economic policy advice. It offers its findings to national and international institutions as well as the general public (Briefing Papers).

The IMK is one of the founding members of the European Labour Network for Economic Policy (ELNEP). The ELNEP was founded in autumn 2006 to provide a counterweight to mainstream policy advice in Europe. (http://www.elnep.org/ )

The IMK is a member of the research Network Macroeconomics and Macroeconomic Policies, founded in 1997, consisting of about 600 members and aiming at revitalising macroeconomics, especially post Keynesian economics.