Bertelsmann Stiftung is one of Europe’s leading independent foundations, dedicated to promoting social well-being and sustainable development. It drives projects in the fields of education, social inclusion, economic development, and international cooperation. Through data-driven research and innovative solutions, the foundation aims to create positive societal impact. Studies like the Geoeconomic Interconnectivity Index (GEOII) reflect its commitment to providing insightful analysis that informs public policy and decision-making. 

The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies – wiiw – is one of the principal centres for research on Central, East and Southeast Europe with 50 years of experience. Over the years, it has broadened its expertise, increasing its regional coverage – to European integration, the countries of Wider Europe and selected issues of the global economy – and expanding the research areas it works on. At present, its thematic work is focused on macroeconomic developments and structural change, international economics, labour markets and social issues, as well as on selected issues related to sectoral and regional economic developments. wiiw is an independent, non-profit institution. Its staff serves the public and clients alike, delivering economic analyses and research, forecasts, statistical data and policy advice. 

The European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE) is an independent and non-profit policy research think tank.  

ECIPE works in the spirit of the open society – a society that embraces the traditions and principles of free trade and economic freedom. Our work is focused on international trade, regulation, digitalisation, and other international economic policy issues of importance to Europe. We are a research-based think tank with the ambition of providing decision-makers and observers with sound economic and political analysis.