Gabriel Felbermayr

Gabriel Felbermayr serves as Director of the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO) and maintains significant affiliations with the Kiel Centre for Globalization (KCG) and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), where he previously served as President. His research focuses on critical aspects of international economics with particular emphasis on globalization dynamics and policy implications.

His primary research interests include:

• International Trade Policy and Global Value Chains
• European Integration and Monetary Union
• International Migration and Development
• International Climate Policy
• China's Role in the Global Economy
• Economic Policy Responses to Geopolitical Tensions

Felbermayr's work combines rigorous theoretical modeling with empirical analysis, often employing advanced quantitative trade frameworks to assess policy impacts. His research has increasingly addressed the geopolitical dimensions of economic relations, examining how tensions between major economic powers might reshape global trade patterns and welfare outcomes.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on trade policy mechanisms, with significant contributions on the effects of trade barriers, free trade agreements, and non-tariff measures. His 2022 study on East-West decoupling scenarios demonstrated how intentional division of global value chains would reduce welfare for all countries involved. His research on rules of origin challenged conventional wisdom by showing trade deflection is unprofitable in 86% of cases due to similar external tariffs and transportation costs.

Professor Felbermayr has been actively involved in policy-relevant research, contributing to European Parliament studies and participating in international forums such as the UNIDO-organized Forum on Globalization and Industrialization. His work on natural disasters and economic activity developed innovative methodologies using night-time light emission data to assess short-run productivity effects. His research frequently bridges academic analysis with practical policy implications, making him a prominent voice in international economic policy discussions.