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What Heat Waves Cost the Austrian Economy
Productivity drops in extreme heat – and the economic costs are in the billions.
When measuring wellbeing, GDP is not the whole story
WU economists show why supplementary indicators are needed in addition to GDP
Diabetes costs the global economy trillions
Klaus Prettner studies the global and national economic costs of diabetes.
Family firms: A good reputation can come at a price
Study shows that consumer reactions to family firms depend on whether a negative incident was within the company’s control
What drives family firms’ internationalization?
New WU study shows how governance and culture shape the internationalization of family firms.
Climate policy has helped Austria cut emissions, study shows
Greenhouse gas emissions have been falling for 20 years in Austria. Researchers from WU Vienna University of Economics and Business have investigated how much of this decline can be attributed to climate policies: around a quarter, according to their analysis. The most significant greenhouse gas reductions have been achieved through regulation in the metal industry.
Russian gas: what Austria and Europe have learned from their dependence
Austria's ability to weather Gazprom's recent gas supply halt to OMV highlights the significant progress made since 2022, when Europe faced severe economic risks due to heavy reliance on Russian gas. A study led by the Complexity Science Hub shows how coordinated responses, including gas storage and alternative supply routes, can mitigate potential damage, and offers key lessons for future crises.
How can wealthy nations respond to the baby bust?
In recent decades, fertility rates in high-income countries have steadily declined. A new study analyzed demographic trends and their consequences. The authors emphasize that despite the significant economic challenges posed by low fertility, a strategic and consistent policy response can effectively mitigate most adverse consequences.
Rapid Rise in Corporate Climate-tech Investments Complements Support from Public Grants
A new study published in Nature Energy finds that corporate investments into climate-tech start-ups coupled with public and other private funding can expedite the deployment of new technologies.
CO2 capture: a promising climate technology
Capturing CO2 from the air can complement approaches to reducing CO2 from the source — but depending on how they scale, according to a recent study.
Europe at the crossroads
As a collection of nation states, the EU has fallen behind the USA and China economically. It was only when the war in Ukraine broke out that European integration started to regain faster momentum again. In any case, the next five years will be decisive for setting Europe’s future geopolitical course.