Economics
Successful academic work in economics requires competent research - both in an empirical and theoretical context. Here you will find help and information on subject-specific literature and data research
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The Orbis license available on campus cannot be extended beyond 31.10.2025. Please complete all relevant work and projects until then.
General information
If you are writing a seminar paper, Bachelor's, Master's or other academic paper in economics, thematic research in databases is essential for successful academic work, in addition to a systematic search in EconBiz, Google Scholar and GöDiscovery.
A complete overview of the economics databases available at the University of Göttingen can be found in the DBIS Economics subject section.
Even though DBIS offers numerous helpful filter options and an advanced search, it is not always immediately obvious from the wealth of available offers which database or platform can help you with your particular research question. The following list of the most important databases for specific questions should make it easier for you to get started.
You are looking for...
Literature/Theoretical Work
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Tip: Check the box "Scholary (Peer Reviewed) Journals" in the search options so that you only generate qualified scientific hits and preferably search in English.
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Tip: Use the advanced search and check the box "peer-reviewed". It is best to search in English.
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Tip: After an initial search, you can limit the hits generated to "Academic Journals" in the menu on the left. It is best to search in English.
Data/Empirical Work
- OECD countries: OECD Data
- Federal Statistical Office: GENESIS Online
- European Economic Area: EuroStat
- Global trade: WTO Stats
- Import and export statistics (incl. bulk download option / premium license): UN Comtrade
- Collected statistical data from various sources: Statista
- LSEG Workspace: in addition to the basic license, SDC Platinum (M&A data), Datastream (including IBES Estimates, Worldscope) and AMR (Aftermarket Research) are currently licensed as additional modules. Due to the limited download limits, the latter will only be activated on special request with proven need.
- Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS): in addition to the basic license, the following content is currently also licensed via this aggregator: Compustat, CRSP, OptionMetrics, Execucomp, ISS Incentive Lab and ISS Climate Datasets
The following ESG data on listed companies are included in our current licenses:
- LSEG / Refinitiv ESG (Asset 4): These are available via LSEG Workspace - please note DBIS instructions for access!
- ISS Climate: These data sets are available via Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS) - please follow DBIS instructions for access!
- MSCI Global: The ESG, Climate and EU Regulatory data modules are available via the MSCI ESG Manager platform - please note DBIS access instructions!
The Göttingen eRA (eResearch Alliance) supports you in all areas of research data management. For example, you can receive help with the creation of a research data management plan, as is now required by many third-party funding bodies, and you can also create this via GRO.plan. If you cannot find a suitable repository (e.g. searchable in R3data) in which you can store your research data sustainably, the eRA offers GRO.data as a corresponding service for the Göttingen campus.
Virtual WiWi consultation hour
For help with self-help and questions about literature and data research in economics, please contact our subject librarian for economics, Nina Baueregger baueregger@sub.uni-goettingen.de.
During the lecture periods always on Tuesdays from 12:00–13:00 (other times can be arranged by appointment). Registration is possible via Stud.IP.
Further courses and library tutorials of the SUB can be found at
Find out more
Artificial intelligence (AI)
AI can accelerate and support your economic work. However, it should never be used without reflection and should not replace your own scientific knowledge process.
Here is a helpful overview of common AI tools and their possible applications created by the Digital Learning and Teaching team at the University of Göttingen AI tool collection by application as well as an overview of AI tools from the Virtual Competence Center for Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Work.
Please note the following when using AI tools:
- AI tools never find 100% of all relevant sources! They only search the database made available to them and freely available content on the internet. DeepWeb content that is made available via commercial databases is not (yet) included. However, these are particularly relevant for economic research.
- The answers from AIs are subject to errors! There may be "hallucinations" (e. g. invented sources), which is why you should always check the answers critically using your human intelligence and specialist knowledge. If you use generative AI (such as ChatGPT, Gemini), use the "deep research function", as it specializes in researching and citing sources. But here, too, your scrutinizing eye must not be missing!
- Commercially licensed data may not be imported into AI tools! This includes, for example, data from WRDS and LSEG Workspace. The license agreements do not currently allow this. Therefore, the use of this data in AI tools would create an illegal copy for a third party and the SUB could be excluded from use and sued for damages. You should also be careful when entering personal data. Everything you enter into an AI tool will be stored there and reused for future requests.
- The use of AI has a very high carbon footprint (due to high electricity and energy costs, among other things) - only use it if you expect a correspondingly high added value.
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