What are we researching?
We conduct research on how social policies (such as income protection and employment protection) evolve and the social consequences they have. For example, a change in social security can have implications for the labour market (and vice versa). Our research maps out the consequences of these and other policy changes. For example, we study labour market policies and self-regulation by organizations.
Why are we doing this research?
Our research makes sense of how social policy works. Through these insights, we identify effectiveness and unintended effects. Insights such as these help policymakers to make better policies.
We believe it is vital for both science and practice to gain insight into how social policy works. Based on these insights, we can learn more about the effectiveness of policy and any unintended effects.
To determine this, we use various research methods, such as case studies, content analysis of documents, large-scale survey research and experiments.
How does our research make an impact?
We make a scientific and a societal contribution with our research by involving relevant parties in the process. These parties include policymakers and representatives of employers and employees. We work with them to develop the research questions to align with the questions that matter in society. We share our research results with them so that they can apply them in practice.
We have a long-term agreement with the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands (SER), the Healthcare Institute, the General Employers Association of the Netherlands and the Municipality of Rotterdam.