Mission and History
About IAE
The Institute for Economic Analysis (IAE) is a research center within the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the largest public research institution in Spain. Founded in 1985 and situated in the Barcelona metropolitan area, the IAE is renowned for advancing frontier research in economics. Its team of researchers is dedicated to scientific excellence, employing both theoretical and empirical approaches across a wide spectrum of economic areas. Consistently recognized in international rankings, the IAE stands out as one of Europe’s premier institutions for economic research.
The IAE is also a founding member of the Barcelona School of Economics (BSE), a world-class institution that fosters collaboration among four academic and research units in Barcelona. The BSE has consistently been awarded Severo Ochoa grants since the program was launched by Spain’s State Research Agency. This prestigious recognition is awarded to top research institutions in Spain that demonstrate scientific impact and leadership at the international level.
The IAE is engaged in graduate education by directing and contributing to BSE Master’s programs. We are equally dedicated to the IDEA doctoral program at UAB, where we mentor the next generation of scholars, equipping them with the guidance, resources, and support necessary to excel in their academic pursuits. Finally, the IAE is committed to cultivating early-career talent by offering opportunities to promising young academics through postdoctoral research positions.
Director's message

Flip Klijn
As Director of the Institute for Economic Analysis, I have the privilege of supporting a collaborative environment where talented researchers contribute to advancing the field of economics.
The path of the IAE has been shaped by a series of visionary decisions made by its previous directors. From its inception, the Institute thrived thanks to the foundational contributions and collaborative efforts of Andreu Mas-Colell, Xavier Calsamiglia, Joan Mª Esteban, and others, who played a key role in establishing its reputation for excellence in economic research. Successive directors have built on this legacy, expanding the Institute's scope and fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive. These strategic decisions have enabled the IAE to become a leader in addressing both fundamental economic questions and real-world societal challenges.
We are at the forefront of addressing pressing challenges, including the energy transition amid climate change, immigration dynamics, gender inequalities in labor markets, social conflicts, and the evolving role of information economics in the digital era. Leveraging cutting-edge methodologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning, we strive to uncover innovative solutions and deepen our understanding of these complex topics. Our work not only enriches academic discourse but also offers insights that shape policymaking and drive positive change in society.
Looking ahead, the IAE aims to build on its expertise while embracing new research avenues to shape the future of economics. By balancing innovative studies with ongoing work in established domains, the Institute stays at the forefront of both traditional and emerging challenges. This diversified approach not only enhances its impact but also mitigates risks, ensuring adaptability and relevance to evolving intellectual and societal needs.
Our new website, launched in 2025, offers a wealth of information on our research projects, publications, events, as well as our sustainability efforts and measures to ensure gender balance in our research and activities. If you are seeking expert advice on specific topics, please feel free to reach out directly to our researchers. For those interested in joining our team as a researcher or post-doc, we encourage you to explore the information on job openings listed on our website. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to expanding and strengthening our team to address the challenges of the future.
Cerdanyola del Vallès, 10 April 2025

Previous directors
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December 1985 - November 1989Xavier Calsamiglia
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December 1990 - September 1991Joan Mª Esteban
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October 1991 - August 1997Xavier Vives
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September 1997 - May 1998Jordi Brandts (acting)
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June 1998 - June 2001Xavier Vives
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July 2001 - December 2006Joan Mª Esteban
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December 2006 - November 2012Clara Ponsatí
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November 2012 - March 2018Albert Marcet
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March 2018 - June 2022Enriqueta Aragonès
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July 2022 - October 2023Jordi Brandts
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October 2023 - January 2024Sjaak Hurkens (acting)
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February 2024 -Flip Klijn
Some key dates
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1979 – 1983
Reports prepared by Economics professors at UAB on the establishment of a research institute in Economics. -
17 October 1984
Letter from Andreu Mas-Colell (Harvard) to Enrique Trillas (President of CSIC) proposing the creation of a CSIC research center in Economics, named “Instituto de Análisis Económico” (IAE). -
18 September 1985
Letter from Xavier Calsamiglia (UAB) to Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba (Ministry of Education and Science) presenting the scientific proposal for the creation of the IAE. -
26 December 1985
Ministerial decree establishing the creation of the IAE. -
19 September 1986
Agreement between CSIC and UAB to create an IAE building on land granted by UAB to CSIC. -
26 April 1989
Inauguration of the IAE building. -
15 November 2006
Inauguration of the Barcelona School of Economics, founded by Andreu Mas-Colell (UPF) with the IAE as a founding partner.
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11 April 2011
Inauguration of the renovated and extended IAE building.