Cluster of Excellence: ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy (EXC 2126)

Since 2019, ECONtribute: Markets & Public Policy is funded as a Cluster of Excellence under the German Excellence Strategy. It aims to advance the analysis of markets & public policy in light of fundamental societal and technological challenges, such as digitalization, global financial crises, rising inequality, political polarization and climate change. 

Developing responses to these societal challenges requires a comprehensive and innovative approach which takes account of societal objectives beyond economic efficiency, legal and political constraints and makes use of innovative research designs. To this end, the Cluster brings together outstanding researchers in economics and neighboring disciplines from the Universities of Bonn and Cologne and the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods and organizes their research activities under the roof of the Reinhard Selten Institute (RSI).

Its Young ECONtribute Program (YEP) is a special program for doctoral students working on markets and public policy or related Cluster topics. It is integrated into the two-stage Ph.D. program structure offered by the Bonn Graduate School of Economics and the Cologne Graduate School. The YEP offers an inspiring research environment with a broad international network, funding facilities, and support in the transition from doctoral studies to subsequent career paths.