Research Projects

Depending on their thematic focuses, the research projects conducted at the MPIfG are assigned to the directors’ Research Areas or to the Research Groups. The dissertation projects of the doctoral researchers at the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE) are summarized under “Dissertation Projects.”

Directors’ Research Areas

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Economic Sociology

Jens Beckert
The Economic Sociology Research Area is concerned with the study of economic phenomena from a sociological perspective. more

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Political Economy

Lucio Baccaro
This research area focuses on political economy, defined broadly as the study of economic phenomena from an interdisciplinary perspective. more

Research Groups

Text "economics" in orange, "decarbonization" in green, and "politics" in white on a blurred background with abstract elements.

Contested Ecologies

Leon Wansleben
There is an increase in the global awareness of climate change as an existential threat and in contestations that concern burden-sharing and cost distribution. The research group investigates the institutional and organizational processes that are unleashed by decarbonization in societies.
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Illustration with the words “regime competition/Europe/nation state” in the foreground, blurred image of a file folder in the background

Political Economy of European Integration

Martin Höpner
Heterogeneity within the European Union has increased with each round of enlargement. The research group analyzes how the heterogeneity of European varieties of capitalism shapes European integration. more

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Technology and Statehood

Regine Paul
The research group on Technology and Statehood explores articulations of competition statehood in global tech races comparatively across time, space, and specific technologies. The group is currently being established and starts in October 2026. more

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Technology and Sovereignty

In the context of new demands on state sovereignty, the research group focuses on the transformation of socioeconomic relations and digital technologies. The group is discontinued. more

Dissertation Projects

Research at the International Max Planck Research School on the Social and Political Constitution of the Economy (IMPRS-SPCE) investigates the interdependence of the economy and society, a core topic in both sociology and political science. Some of the dissertation projects are advised by faculty members of the program’s partner universities. more

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Emeriti Projects

The Institute’s emeriti continue to be part of the intellectual life of the Institute and remain research active.

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