Qualitätssicherung in der volkswirtschaftlichen Auftragsforschung: Eine Fallstudie und ein Vorschlag

Abstract: This paper presents a case study on commissioned economic research in Germany. We find deplorable methodological and empirical shortcomings in a prominent study by Munich's ifo-Institute, on aspects of horizontal fiscal revenue sharing between German states. We suspect that this may not be an exceptional case but may point out problems of quality control in economic consultancy as a whole. Therefore, we suggest establishing a certified referee system in order to improve research quality.