Clemens Fuest

Prof. Dr. Dr. hc Clemens Fuest is a leading academic and policy figure in economics. He serves as President of the ifo Institute – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, Director of the Center for Economic Studies (CES) at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), and Professor of Economics in LMU's Department of Economics and Public Finance. His work focuses on economic policy, tax systems, European integration, and international taxation. He previously held roles such as President of the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) and Professor at the University of Oxford.

Research Interests: Fuest’s research spans tax policy design, fiscal frameworks in the EU, corporate taxation, and the economic impacts of global policies. He has contributed to understanding profit shifting by multinational firms, the effects of VAT rate cuts, and the distributional impacts of fiscal measures during crises. His work often integrates economic theory with policy analysis, addressing challenges like climate finance and geopolitical economic dynamics.

Key Achievements: Fuest has led major studies on EU fiscal governance, tax competition, and the implications of global tax reforms. He co-authored influential papers on the stability of corporate tax revenue despite rate declines. His 2025 publications explore topics like patent box incentives and the impact of the US Inflation Reduction Act on European industries. Honors include honorary doctorates (hc) recognizing his contributions.

Awards: Honorary Doctorate (hc) from institutions acknowledging his academic and policy contributions.

Grants & Advising: As head of ifo and CES, he oversees research funding and collaborates internationally. His advising includes policy design for EU economic frameworks and crisis response strategies. He has mentored researchers in tax and fiscal policy areas through his academic roles.

Labs/Teams: Leads the ifo Institute’s Tax and Fiscal Policy research group, collaborating with international teams on projects like EU economic governance and climate policy impacts.