# KOF Swiss Economic Institute

> institute for economic research at the ETH Zürich

**Wikidata**: [Q1718872](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1718872)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kof-swiss-economic-institute

## Summary
The KOF Swiss Economic Institute is a leading economic research institute affiliated with ETH Zurich, founded on May 16, 1938. It specializes in analyzing economic trends, forecasting, and producing influential indicators such as the KOF Index of Globalisation. As part of one of Switzerland’s premier universities, KOF provides critical data and insights for policymakers, businesses, and academics.

## Key Facts
- Founded on May 16, 1938, as part of ETH Zurich.
- Officially named "KOF Konjunkturforschungsstelle," with aliases including "Swiss Economic Institute" and "Centre de recherches conjoncturelles."
- Notable for developing the KOF Index of Globalisation, a widely cited measure of economic integration.
- Based in Zurich, Switzerland, with a focus on economic indicators and policy analysis.
- Directed by prominent economists, including Eugen Böhler (1938–1964), Jan-Egbert Sturm (2005–2023), and current director Hans Gersbach (since 2023).
- VIAF ID: 137452608; website: https://www.kof.ethz.ch/.
- Parent organization: ETH Zurich, a world-renowned science and technology university.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the KOF Swiss Economic Institute known for?
A: The KOF Institute is best known for its economic research, forecasting, and the KOF Index of Globalisation, which measures the degree of globalisation across countries.

### Q: When was the KOF Swiss Economic Institute founded?
A: It was founded on May 16, 1938, as part of ETH Zurich.

### Q: Who leads the KOF Swiss Economic Institute as of 2023?
A: The current director is Hans Gersbach, who took over in 2023. Previous directors include Jan-Egbert Sturm (2005–2023) and Bernd Schips (1993–2005).

## Why It Matters
The KOF Swiss Economic Institute plays a pivotal role in shaping economic discourse and policy, both in Switzerland and globally. Since its inception in 1938, it has provided rigorous, data-driven analyses that help businesses, governments, and researchers understand economic trends, risks, and opportunities. Its flagship KOF Index of Globalisation has become a standard reference for assessing economic integration, while its forecasts and reports inform decision-making at national and international levels. As part of ETH Zurich, KOF benefits from academic excellence and independence, ensuring its work remains objective and influential in addressing complex economic challenges.

## Notable For
- **KOF Index of Globalisation**: A pioneering metric tracking economic, social, and political integration worldwide.
- **Longstanding Academic Affiliation**: As a core institute of ETH Zurich, it combines academic rigor with practical policy relevance.
- **Influential Leadership**: Directed by renowned economists such as Jan-Egbert Sturm, whose tenure (2005–2023) reinforced its global reputation.
- **Economic Forecasting**: Provides authoritative short- and long-term economic forecasts for Switzerland and the world economy.

## Body
### History and Founding
The KOF Swiss Economic Institute was established on May 16, 1938, as the "Konjunkturforschungsstelle" (Economic Research Unit) at ETH Zurich. Founded during a period of significant economic uncertainty, its mission was to analyze and forecast economic trends to support informed decision-making. Early directors, such as Eugen Böhler (1938–1964), laid the groundwork for its empirical approach to economic research.

### Research Focus
KOF specializes in:
- **Economic Indicators**: Developing and publishing metrics such as the KOF Swiss Economic Barometer and the KOF Index of Globalisation.
- **Policy Analysis**: Evaluating the impact of economic policies, trade dynamics, and technological change.
- **Globalisation Studies**: Assessing the economic, social, and political dimensions of global integration through its flagship index.

### Leadership
The institute has been led by distinguished economists, including:
- **Eugen Böhler** (1938–1964): Founding director who established KOF’s empirical research tradition.
- **Hans Würgler** (1963–1993): Oversaw expansion into international economic analysis.
- **Bernd Schips** (1993–2005): Strengthened KOF’s focus on policy-oriented research.
- **Jan-Egbert Sturm** (2005–2023): Elevated the institute’s global profile through initiatives like the KOF Index of Globalisation.
- **Hans Gersbach** (2023–present): Current director emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to economic challenges.

### Affiliation and Impact
As part of ETH Zurich, KOF leverages the university’s scientific excellence to ensure methodological rigor. Its research is widely cited in academic literature, media, and policy debates, contributing to Switzerland’s reputation for economic stability and innovation. The institute’s work addresses critical issues such as economic inequality, sustainability, and the future of work, ensuring its relevance in an evolving global economy.

## References

1. [Source](https://kof.ethz.ch/das-institut/unsere-geschichte.html)