The recent geopolitical developments have again shown how geographic concentration of fossil fuel production creates global dependencies and affects economies worldwide. Among the G7 countries, the European states are the most dependent on fossil gas supplies from Russia.

DIW Econ’s recent study “G7 Gas Reduction Plan”, commissioned by Greenpeace, on the occasion of the G7 Summit under the German Council Presidency, presents potential climate-neutral technology options implemented by coordinated multilateral action of the G7 states until 2025 to support a reduction of fossil gas demand in the G7 states. The analysis focuses on carbon-neutral options without substituting gas with other fossil fuels or biofuels or significantly reducing industrial production.

In its latest study commissioned by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, DIW Econ analyses the challenges and effects of integrating refugees into the German labour market. To examine this topic, 100 medium-sized and large companies with previous experience in integrating refugees following 2015 were surveyed, alongside qualitative interviews conducted with entrepreneurs.

The Free State of Bavaria is in a predestined position to become a pioneer for decarbonisation and the transformation of economy and society towards sustainability by 2030. However, this transformation can only be achieved through targeted investments and measures that create synergies between transformative developments. The current study by DIW Econ and the Forum Ökologisch-Soziale Marktwirtschaft (FÖS), commissioned by BUND Naturschutz and Greenpeace Deutschland, identifies measures in selected sectors – energy, mobility, tourism, agriculture and forestry, and nature conservation – in which systematic public investment over the next decade can accelerate structural change toward a sustainable and future-proof Bavaria, thereby strengthening employment, innovation, climate and nature protection, and sustainable development.

The construction industry is an essential pillar of the German economy, both in terms of its contribution to gross domestic product and overall employment. Due to the observed increase in the average age of business owners, it can be assumed that more and more entrepreneurs will be affected by succession planning in the coming years. However, to date, there has been no estimate or survey that provides reliable information on how many companies in the construction industry will be faced with succession planning in the coming years and what economic effects can be expected as a result.

The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) has commissioned DIW Econ GmbH to study the current situation of the local German press.

The study aims to create a comprehensive picture of the local German press and, in particular, to analyze the challenges and opportunities arising from increasing digitization. In addition, the study will evaluate the extent to which current developments are endangering the diversity of the press and opinions and whether a need for state support can be derived from this. Finally, the study will examine which government funding measures could effectively support the local German press and thus also press and opinion diversity.