What We Do.



The analysis and communication of ideas form the core of our work. We produce reports, books and papers on all areas of economic policy, as well as a termly journal, Economic Affairs. Our policy experts frequently contribute to newspapers, broadcast media and websites to further the dissemination of free-market thinking. We also hold an extensive series of conferences, seminars, lectures and working lunches (100 – 150 events a year) that bring together politicians, students, journalists, leading business figures, academics and others interested in public policy. These are listed on our events page. A student outreach programme provides internships, resources for students and university societies, and a range of events for students and teachers.

In addition, our popular website is a valuable source of educational material and makes both classic economics texts and contemporary discussion freely available to scholars around the world.

Research – We undertake research and produce high-quality publications, including policy papers and consultation responses, addressing some of the major policy challenges of our time. Our research is designed to reach a wide audience of policymakers and opinion formers who teach about or comment on economic matters.

Events – We hold a wide range of events, with speakers ranging from Nobel Laureates to journalists and politicians, encouraging people to engage in the debate around ideas and their consequences.

Students and teachers – We work with students and teachers, providing a wide range of resources and internships to equip tomorrow’s leaders with a deep understanding of free market economics. Our aim is to change the climate of opinion in the long term and our work with students is a key part of this.

Communication – We ensure our ideas are heard by opinion formers, policymakers and the general public through a wide range of media, from national newspapers to our website and blog.

Collaboration – Our work is supported by an international network of leading academics and policy experts who undertake research for and speak on behalf of the Institute. Our Shadow Monetary Policy Committee and the Public Sector Pensions Commission we helped initiate are prime examples of how we bring together leading experts to tackle important issues of economic policy.

The IEA holds no corporate position, so among our staff, authors, fellows and spokespeople a wide range of views is represented. Nevertheless, all those associated with the Institute support free markets – though with different “schools” of free market economics being represented. Those promoting the IEA’s mission believe that society’s problems and challenges are best dealt with by individuals, companies and voluntary associations interacting with each other freely without interference from politicians and the state. This means that government action, whether through taxes, regulation or the legal system, should be kept to a minimum. Our authors and speakers are therefore always on the look-out for ways of reducing the government’s role in our lives and undertake rigorous analysis in order to demonstrate their case.

The IEA’s activities are supported by a distinguished international Academic Advisory Council and an eminent panel of Honorary Fellows. Together with other academics they review many of our prospective publications. Their comments are passed on anonymously to the authors. This means that our monographs and research papers are subjected to the same rigorous independent refereeing process that is used by leading academic journals. These respected publications are distributed throughout the world, are frequently reprinted by other organisations and have been translated into over twenty-five languages.