The Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH) – Member of the Leibniz Association was founded on January 1, 1992. It is a member of the Leibniz Association. It receives its institutional budget from the federal government and the German federal states in equal parts, respectively.

In terms of its legal status, the IWH is a registered association. In accordance with its statutes, the institute pursues aims directly and exclusively related to the public interest, especially research interests. Within this framework, the IWH carries out both institutionally financed tasks as well as research for third parties.