Decision-makers in the area of labour market policy benefit from well-founded scientific advice to a greater extent than in virtually any other area of policy, and the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) plays a key role in this regard. The IAB conducts research across the labour market from the perspective of a wide range of disciplines and in a societal context. High-quality research and comprehensive, robust base data provide the foundations for dependable policy advice and the professional sharing of knowledge.
We have restructured the institute into ten focus areas in order to communicate our work in a more transparent way and to strengthen networking within our organisation. Eight of these areas are related to research, one of which has a particular focus on data and methodology. The two remaining focus areas provide science-oriented services.
In the "Labour Market in Structural Change" focus area, research is conducted into how overarching transformation processes and events affect the labour market.
The "Labour market policy" focus area casts a light on the instruments and regulations of labour market policy, with an emphasis on its implementation and effects, and how these effects come about.
In "The Firms´ Side of Work" focus area, the IAB studies companies’ demand for labour, the corporate culture of companies and the working conditions of employees.
Labour market opportunities and risks are closely related to education and qualifications. The IAB investigates these interrelationships in the "Education and Labour Market” focus area and considers the acquisition and utilisation of education and training over the entire life course.
In the "Labour Force Participation, Poverty, and Social Policy" focus area, the IAB analyses the development of life situations, life contexts, and life courses, as well as participation opportunities and risks. The unemployed, basic income recipients and people on low wages or with limited participation in working life are of particular interest in this respect.
With the "Research Data and Methods" focus area, the IAB combines methodological basic research with application-oriented labour-market and occupational research. This includes the collection and processing of various data and making them available to the international research community.
The "Macroeconomy" focus area explores the labour market from a broad perspective, in particular looking at supply and demand, the way in which the market functions, the role of labour market institutions, internationalisation processes and the factors that influence labour market activity at the macroeconomic level. This provides the basis for forecasts and scenario analyses regarding future trends.
The "International and regional labour markets" focus area brings together all geographical aspects of employment research. In addition to the analysis of the differences between and within regions, this includes matters relating to migration and integration, studies into the effects of globalisation and Europeanisation, and international comparisons.
The labour market and the world of work are in constant flux. Consequently, trades unions and employer bodies, politicians, labour market policymakers and careers consultants require reliable information and recommendations for action that are based on sound scientific advice. And so does the general public. The IAB provides this in a format that is tailored to each target group. For the research community, for example, it publishes the findings of its research in professional journals and in its own publications.
The IAB acts in a responsible and dependable manner in its dealings with employees, external partners and other departments of the Federal Employment Agency. The public money entrusted to the IAB is used effectively and economically.
