Future of the Economy and Society

The research field Future of the Economy and Society addresses the potential change processes at the economic and societal level which result from megatrends.

Demographic change, digitisation, globalisation and ecological limits generate a great pressure to change for the economy and society. This leads to the question of the possibility of sustainable development from an ecological, social and economic viewpoint. In addition to the other research fields at ESB Business School the researchers do not focus on the company level but rather address the economy and society as a whole. In particular, questions about the fairness of the distribution of income and wealth, the future participation of the factor work in the production process as well as the consequences of international mobility in internationally integrated markets.   

Researchers take an interdisciplinary approach when developing possible solutions to upcoming issues and challenges. The objective of the research field is to show connections between individual sectors of the economy and society and to analyse possible developments. This allows the following research topics, among others, to be addressed:  

• The distribution of income and wealth in the age of digitisation
• The relevance of an unconditional basic income
• Sectoral change on the basis of consumption patterns in an ageing society
• Innovation capability and growth potentials in an ageing society
• Skills shortage and immigration