RWI - LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FUR WIRTSCHAFTSFORSCHUNG e.V.

Their core work

RWI is a leading German economic research institute (part of the Leibniz Association) based in Essen, specializing in empirical economic analysis with a strong policy orientation. In H2020, they focus on the socio-economic dimensions of the energy transition — studying how energy policies affect different population groups, what drives consumer behavior in energy communities, and how labor markets respond to technological change. They bring rigorous quantitative economic analysis to interdisciplinary consortia working on climate, energy justice, and inclusive growth.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

RWI's early H2020 work (2019) centered on the social and economic dimensions of energy systems — energy justice, positive energy districts, smart cities, and consumer behavior in clean energy communities. By 2021, their focus broadened significantly toward labor market impacts of green and digital transitions (employment, skills, inequality) and environmental justice through nature-based solutions. The trajectory shows a clear shift from energy-sector-specific socio-economics toward wider questions of just transitions and inclusive policy design.

RWI is moving from energy-specific economic analysis toward broader research on how green and digital transitions can be made socially inclusive — a direction aligned with the EU's Just Transition agenda.

How they like to work

RWI participates exclusively as a consortium partner, never as coordinator, contributing specialized economic and policy analysis to larger interdisciplinary teams. With 76 unique partners across 23 countries in just 5 projects, they operate in large, diverse consortia — averaging over 15 partners per project. This profile suggests they are a trusted specialist contributor that project coordinators bring in for rigorous socio-economic assessment.

Extensive European network spanning 76 unique partners across 23 countries from only 5 projects, indicating participation in large pan-European consortia. Their reach is notably broad for a relatively small H2020 portfolio, suggesting they are well-connected in EU research circles.

What sets them apart

RWI stands out by combining heavyweight economic research credentials (Leibniz Association institute) with deep engagement in energy and climate justice questions. While many economics institutes stay theoretical, RWI embeds directly in applied EU projects tackling real-world transition challenges. For consortium builders, they offer credible, data-driven socio-economic analysis that strengthens the societal impact dimension of any energy, climate, or industrial transformation proposal.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NEWCOMERS
  Largest single grant (EUR 517,890) studying clean energy communities — a politically important topic for the EU's energy democratization agenda.
• JUSTNature
  Longest project (2021-2026) and second-largest budget, combining nature-based solutions with environmental justice — connecting climate adaptation to social equity.
• UNTANGLED
  Represents a strategic expansion beyond energy into broader labor market and inequality research, signaling RWI's evolving H2020 profile.