VfS Annual Conference 2026: Behavioural Economics in the Spotlight
Dates and NewsZEW Present in Innsbruck with Research Contributions and Information Booth
From 13 to 16 September 2026, researchers from the German-speaking world and guests from other countries gathered for the annual conference of the Verein für Socialpolitik (VfS) at the University of Innsbruck in Austria. The core conference theme this year was Behavioural Economics.
ZEW Mannheim actively participated with numerous research contributions and had an information booth on site. The ZEW researchers shared their latest findings in various economic research fields through presentations, poster sessions and personal conversations. Topics covered included cross-border VAT fraud in the EU, the tax implications of visas for digital nomads, support for job seekers and the use of generative artificial intelligence.
Reinhard Selten Prize for ZEW economist David Gstrein
During the conference, ZEW economist David Gstrein was honoured for his research work on the taxation of business wealth with a special award: the Reinhard Selten Prize 2026. With the award, the Verein für Socialpolitik recognises outstanding academic work by early-career researchers.
In addition to the academic programme, the conference provided many opportunities for networking and academic discussions. At the ZEW information booth, too, the ZEW team engaged in conversations with researchers from Germany and other countries.
About the VfS
The Verein für Socialpolitik has around 4,000 members. It is one of the largest and oldest economic associations in Europe. The VfS Annual Conference 2027 will take place in Hannover.
