Department Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Management
The ZEW – Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research in Mannheim is a non-profit and independent institute with the legal form of a limited liability company (GmbH). Founded in 1990 on the basis of a public-private initiative in the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg in co-operation with the University of Mannheim, ZEW is one of Germany's leading economic research institutes, and enjoys a strong reputation throughout Europe.
ZEW's guiding mission is to study the "optimal performance of markets and institutions in Europe". To this end, ZEW applies a plurality of methodologies, with a clear focus on microeconomic and microeconometric research. The institute co-operates closely with other scientific disciplines to address research questions. In this context, the research institute distinguishes itself, inter alia, in the analysis of internationally comparative questions in the European context and in the creation of data bases which are eminently important as a basis for scientific research. In addition, ZEW provides external persons and bodies with excerpts of selected data stocks for the purpose of scientific research.
The work in this project is conducted by the Research Department "Environmental and Resource Economics, Environmental Management" which investigates the optimal function of markets and institutions with regard to environmental aspects and resource scarcity. A key focus is placed on European energy and climate policy. Economists in the department conduct economic assessments of policies that impact the environment, such as transport, energy, technology, and economic policies. They also identify conflicts between economic and environmental goals. Applying general equilibrium models, experimental approaches and econometric methods, the department provides valuable advice to policy-makers from the German federal government and the European Commission.
