Mission
1. Conducting world-class research,
while competing and cooperating with economic research institutions around the world,
on the various economic problems facing society.
while competing and cooperating with economic research institutions around the world,
on the various economic problems facing society.
2. Return newly gained insights from the research process to the international community,
3. Contribute to economic policy and institutional design.
Our Approach
At our institute, specific research themes include studies on economic growth and business cycles, research on institutional design such as tax systems, social security systems, bidding systems, and environmental regulations, as well as studies on corporate, consumer, and government behavior. Currently, the most important research themes in modern society, such as recession, non-performing loans, social security, unemployment, consumption, asset prices, environmental issues, and law and economics, are being analyzed.
As a result of these activities, our institute has received wide acclaim in the field of economics research in Japan. Our researchers have been awarded the Japan Academy Prize in 2008, the Nakahara Prize in 2001, and the Ishikawa Prize in 2006 from the Japan Economic Association. Our institute has also produced program committee chairs and invited speakers for the same association. Furthermore, we actively contribute to society by writing for newspapers and magazines, giving lectures and symposiums for the general public, publishing enlightening books on economics, and providing expert testimony in the Japanese Diet on public policy issues, thereby sharing the insights gained from our research widely with society.
Hiring renowned researchers with extensive international experience from around the world.
Editing and publishing the prestigious academic journal International Economic Review (IER) in the field of economics, in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania (USA).
Organizing seminars that serve as opportunities for presenting and freely discussing theoretical and empirical analyses based on innovative ideas.
Exploring excellent economic systems through an economic experiment laboratory.
Engaging in meticulous policy analysis based on high-quality data and the latest theories, and making realistic recommendations. Participating in media and government advisory council discussions, and contributing to policy formulation.
Institute of Social and Economic Research
The University of Osaka
6-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047, Japan
©2025 Institute of Social and Economic Research, The University of Osaka・Photo by Shinya Yamada