# RWI Essen

> Economic research institute

**Wikidata**: [Q2147736](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2147736)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RWI_Essen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rwi-essen

## Summary
RWI Essen is a German economic research institute founded in 1926 and headquartered in Essen. Officially the Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, it is a member of the Leibniz Association and conducts policy-relevant research in economics.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1926 by Walther Däbritz
- Legal form: registered association (eingetragener Verein)
- Member of the Leibniz Association since at least 2019
- Director: Christoph M. Schmidt
- Located in Essen, Germany (coordinates: 51.44388°N, 7.00835°E)
- VAT number: DE119824083
- EU participant identification code: 972715807
- ISNI: 0000 0001 2160 3212
- ROR ID: 02pse8162
- GRID ID: grid.437257.0

## FAQs
### Q: What does RWI stand for?
A: RWI stands for Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (Rhineland-Westphalia Institute for Economic Research).

### Q: Is RWI Essen part of a larger network?
A: Yes, RWI Essen is a member of the Leibniz Association, Germany's largest network of research institutions.

### Q: What type of organization is RWI Essen?
A: RWI Essen is a nonprofit research institute organized as a registered association (eingetragener Verein).

## Why It Matters
RWI Essen has provided evidence-based economic research for nearly a century, informing German and European policy decisions. As a Leibniz Institute, it operates at the intersection of academic rigor and practical policy relevance, conducting research that shapes economic understanding and policy formulation. Its longevity since 1926 demonstrates sustained institutional knowledge and adaptability through Germany's major economic transformations. The institute's work influences taxation policy, economic forecasting, and regional development strategies, making it a key player in Germany's economic policy ecosystem.

## Notable For
- One of Germany's oldest economic research institutes (founded 1926)
- Member of the prestigious Leibniz Association
- Participates in Germany's tax revenue forecasting (Arbeitskreis Steuerschätzung)
- Maintains membership in multiple research networks including NFDI and Informationsdienst Wissenschaft

## Body

### History and Foundation
RWI Essen traces its origins to 1926 when Walther Däbritz founded the institute. For nearly a century, it has operated continuously as an economic research institution, adapting to Germany's changing economic landscape while maintaining its core mission of policy-relevant research.

### Organizational Structure
The institute operates as a registered association (eingetragener Verein) under German law. This legal structure allows it to function as a nonprofit organization while maintaining institutional independence. Christoph M. Schmidt serves as director, with Paul Klemmer also listed as a board member.

### Research Focus
RWI Essen concentrates on economics as its primary field of work. The institute conducts research and development activities within the voluntary sector framework, positioning itself as both an academic research institution and a policy advisory body.

### Institutional Memberships
Beyond the Leibniz Association, RWI Essen maintains active membership in several key research networks. It participates in the Arbeitskreis Steuerschätzung, Germany's working group on tax revenue forecasting. The institute is also a member of the Informationsdienst Wissenschaft (IDW) science information service and the German National Research Data Infrastructure (NFDI).

### Location and Facilities
The institute is based in Essen, located in Germany's Ruhr region. Its precise coordinates place it at 51.44388°N, 7.00835°E, situating it in one of Germany's major industrial and economic centers.

## References

1. 20th Century Press Archives
2. GRID Release 2017-01-10
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://idw-online.de/de/institution145)
5. [Source](https://www.nfdi.de/verein/#mitglieder)
6. GRID Release 2015-12-14
7. GRID Release 2016-12-06
8. Via P227 lookup with GND value from PM20 folder. 20th Century Press Archives
9. GERiT
10. Microsoft Academic Knowledge Graph