Claudia von Schuttenbach
Research needs room to thrive
The ZEW Futurecast with ZEW´s Managing Director Claudia von Schuttenbach focuses on looking ahead: How can we ensure excellent research and play an active role in shaping the future? The priorities for us are sustainable funding, the expansion of strategic partnerships and securing academic appointments in an internationally competitive environment. At the same time, the responsible use of AI will shape future academic research. Our aim is to further strengthen the foundations of research, policy advice and knowledge transfer, and to position ZEW as a driving force in a changing academic landscape.
Podcast ZEW Annual Report (in German)
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In the “ZEW Futurecast” section of this year’s Annual Report, Claudia von Schuttenbach, Managing Director of ZEW, first looks back on the successes of 2025 and then outlines the opportunities and challenges for the future. She describes the past year as a new beginning underpinned by three key pillars: Special funding for the new “Health Care Markets and Health Policy” Research Unit was secured through a competitive grant, enabling the institute to strengthen its staff base and infrastructure in the long term. In parallel, we continued to expand our networks in the spheres of politics and business and in society in general. The transfer of research into practice through active policy advising and appointments of our researchers to high-profile committees (such as the EFI or Pensions Commission and the German Council of Science and Humanities) was also vigorously pursued.
The interview also highlights the strategic importance of staff growth and development. Another key topic is the conscious, open approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Instead of relying on bans, ZEW has developed its own AI strategy that combines secure, internal solutions for sensitive research data with the necessary awareness-raising among staff to prevent unauthorised use and drive innovation.
Looking ahead to 2030, the Managing Director paints a positive and dynamic picture: ZEW will further expand its role as a neutral, indispensable voice in economic policy and become even more integrated into national decision-making processes. A modernised institute building is to underline ZEW’s future-orientation. Claudia von Schuttenbach’s optimistic outlook culminates in the wish for a policy that not only takes the institute’s recommendations on board but also implements them with enthusiasm and speed.
The Futurecast illustrates that ZEW is not just envisioning the future but is actively and confidently shaping it.
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