Social Media: Societal Challenges and Policy Pathways
Social media has revolutionized society, the economy, and politics. 21 years after Facebook was born, we can take stock of the impact of platforms, and it is a tale of both light and shadow. While social media connects communities and holds governments more accountable, it also spreads misinformation and deepens divisions. The latest issue of EconPol Forum points the way toward policies that minimize the harm of social media while preserving its benefits.
Latest EconPol News
Works Councils Prevent Wage Cuts Through Automation
Production workers benefit from works councils when firms adopt industrial robots. This is shown in a new study by the ifo Institute in cooperation with the University of Konstanz and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB).
Social Media: Societal Challenges and Policy Pathways
Social media has revolutionized society, the economy, and politics. 21 years after Facebook was born, we can take stock of the impact of platforms, and it is a tale of both light and shadow. While social media connects communities and holds governments more accountable, it also spreads misinformation and deepens divisions. The latest issue of EconPol Forum points the way toward policies that minimize the harm of social media while preserving its benefits.
Top Companies Slow Down Green Innovation
A new analysis of global patenting trends reveals a concerning decline in corporate research on green technologies, despite mounting urgency to meet international climate targets. The study examines the patenting activity of the world’s 2,000 largest corporate R&D investors between 2012 and 2019 and shows that their focus on climate-related technologies has weakened significantly in recent years.
Current Publications
EconPol Forum 03/2025: A Fast Track to Defense Sovereignty in the EU – How Can It Work?
Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the threat of US disengagement marked a turning point for Europe, as most governments converged on the need to take greater responsibility for the continent’s own security and accelerate its path towards defense sovereignty. This is a significant development, but one that poses multiple strategic and governance challenges.
Complexities and Dependencies in the Global Semiconductor Value Chain
Disaster Aid, Insurance, and Fairness: Household and Firm Perceptions of Flood Policy in Germany
EconPol Forum
EconPol Forum (formerly CESifo Forum) is a quarterly English-language journal to bring economic analysis on topics of worldwide interest along with policy advice to a broad range of policymakers and the public.
EconPol Policy Briefs
EconPol Policy Briefs are short articles providing key findings of policy-related studies and policy implications from recent policy relevant economic research. Grounded in evidence-based insights, the Policy Briefs discuss current topics in economic and fiscal policy within a wide range of specific areas of expertise.
EconPol Policy Reports
EconPol Policy Reports conduct comprehensive economic analysis on current European economic and fiscal policy issues, fostering a deeper understanding of European economic development and the implications of policy measures. The reports provide valuable insights into policy scenarios and the impact of economic policies, facilitating informed public discussions and evidence-based policy making.