Christian Traxler

Christian Traxler is a Professor of Economics at the Hertie School in Berlin, specializing in public sector finance and economic policy. His research focuses on tax evasion, enforcement of legal/social norms, and behavioral policy evaluation. Before joining Hertie in 2013, he held positions at the University of Marburg and conducted research at institutions like the Max Planck Institute for Research on Collective Goods (Bonn) and the University of Michigan. He earned his doctorate in Economics from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (2006) after studies at the University of Vienna and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

Key research interests include policy design effectiveness, deterrence mechanisms in enforcement, and the intersection of behavioral economics with public finance. He has led studies on youth financial behavior (e.g., MetallRente studies), low-emission zone impacts, and the efficacy of fines in traffic regulation. Traxler is affiliated with the Berlin Center for Consumer Policies (BCCP) and contributes to initiatives like the Berlin Applied Micro Seminar (BAMS).

His work bridges theoretical economic analysis with practical policy evaluation, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to governance challenges. While no explicit awards are cited, his extensive publication record reflects recognition in academic and policy circles.

Traxler advises on public policy through teaching and research, focusing on how institutional frameworks and behavioral insights can improve compliance and societal outcomes. His research often combines field experiments with quantitative analysis to assess real-world policy impacts.