A big thinker goes: Gerhard Fels shapes economics!

A big thinker goes: Gerhard Fels shapes economics!

Kiel, Deutschland - On July 16, 2025, the world of economy said goodbye to one of its most important minds: Gerhard Karl Fels. Born on June 17, 1939 in Baumholder/Birkenfeld, Fels not only set standards as a scientist, but also as a opinion leader in the field of economics. After an impressive academic career, which started with his doctorate in Herbert Giersch in 1969, Fels shaped the German economic theory and practice for decades

he started his career as a research assistant in the expert council, where he worked from 1964 to 1969. In 1969 he then followed his teacher Giersch to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the IFW, and in 1971 took over the management of the central research department I. In these years, Fels not only formed research at the institute, but also became deputy president. His research work analyzed the structural change in the sector structure of advanced industries and emphasized the need for the market opening and adaptation in global competition.

a life for research and teaching

From 1974 to 1985, Fels taught as a honorary professor at the Christian Albrechts University in Kiel. Here he enabled many young scientists to develop their career by putting value on co-authorships and maintaining a collegial working atmosphere. His commitment stretched beyond the IFW; From 1978 to 1982 he was the first German representative in the "Committee for Development Planning" of the United Nations. This position contributed to the fact that his analyzes and recommendations also received a great deal of attention at an international level.

A central point of his work was the structural reports that became a cornerstone of the institute's research and advisory activity. Even after his departure to Cologne in 1983 as director of the German Economy Institute, his influence remained noticeable. Fels headed here until 2004 and was involved in the transformation of the German market after reunification.

a pioneer of economic policy

Fels was known for his critical arguments with both industry representatives and political decision -makers. As a co -author of the economic policy on offer, he opened himself openly against demand -oriented economic policy, an attitude that not only beats a few waves, but also cushioned broad discussions. His annual report from 1976 called for a change of course to the offer side of economic policy and is considered pioneering.

his work was also considered in an international context: Fels was in 1988 in the Group of Thirty in Washington, D.C. Appointed and was a member of the Advisory Board of the German Institute for Japanese Studies in Tokyo from 1991 to 1999. He left a rich legacy of research and teaching, which in the following years I had important impulses for the economics discussion in German -speaking countries.

Gerhard Fels leaves not only a deep impression in science, but also an essential basis for understanding international economic relations. His contribution to the subject is not only valued by his colleagues, but he will also be taken into account in the future teaching. In the Kiel Institute for the global economy, you will honor your memory, because his commitment to international research and the development of younger scientists is unforgettable. Numerous IFW employees owe their funding to him, and his life is a precedent for how science can not only combine numbers and theories, but also humanity and development.