Research
VATT research covers three main areas: the effectiveness of public services, taxation and social transfers, and the labour market and policies promoting growth. The policy analysis and modelling unit is charged with maintaining and developing economic models and promoting their wider use.
VATT is located at ECONOMICUM campus together with three academic economics departments. It also works closely with other economic and government sectoral research institutes. Most of the Institute’s international cooperation takes the form of joint projects and researcher visits.
VATT comes under the authority of the Ministry of Finance, and it is supported in its work by a Ministry-appointed commission. The Institute’s clients include a number of other ministries as well.
Each year VATT hosts a themed seminar, which brings together academic experts and decision-makers. In addition, the Institute hosts a range of other domestic and international conferences and seminars. Weekly VATT seminars provide a forum for presentations of ongoing research.
Research areas
Effectiveness of public finances
- service productivity
- municipal and regional finances
- alternative models of service provision
Taxation and social transfers
- evaluation of tax reforms
- trends in international tax policy
- social transfers and income distribution
- public finances over the long term
Labour market and policies promoting sustainable growth
- labour market
- energy and environmental policy
- innovation and technology policy
Policy Analysis and Modelling Unit
- maintenance and development of general equilibrium models
- ex ante impact assessments and scenarios
- forecasting and scenario testing