History of IZA
Dedicated to the future of labor
Founding and Mission
The IZA Institute of Labor Economics was established in Bonn by the Deutsche Post Foundation in 1998. Its core mission was to create an independent, world-class research center dedicated to labor economics and evidence-based policy advice, free from political or commercial influence.
A Global Powerhouse
Over the decades, IZA evolved from a local institute into the world’s premier network for labor market research. By coordinating more than 2,000 Research Fellows and Affiliates globally, it became a central hub for scientific exchange and the publisher of the world’s largest discussion paper series in the field.
Scientific & Societal Impact
The institute played a pivotal role in informing major labor market reforms and delivered expert analysis for international bodies like the World Bank, the OECD, and the European Commission on topics ranging from migration to digitalization. The IZA World of Labor, a globally recognized digital platform, provides current scientific knowledge in an easily accessible format.
Current Transition to LISER
Following the decision to close the local research operations in Bonn, the organization is entering a new era. The renowned global IZA network is moving to LISER (Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research). Starting in early 2026, the network's activities and its scientific legacy will be managed from Luxembourg to ensure the continued excellence of international labor market research.