Its membership consists of some 110 German business and employers' associations as well as a number of individual companies.

Through the organization's decision-making bodies members contribute to the institute's general orientation without having any specific influence on the contents of conducts research and the subsidiaries’ daily business.

Prof. Dr. Michael Hüther is the Director of the German Economic Institute and head of its management board.

It gives school students practical insights into the world of commerce based on the concept of ”learning by doing”.

Additionally, the IW Academy offers a Master's programme "Behavioral Ethics, Economics and Psychology (M.A.)"

It conducts research on European Union monetary policy, environmental issues, structural change and other aspects of the EU.