Ass.-Prof. Dr. Tanja Kirn

Centre for Economics

Person analysiert Wirtschaftsdaten an Laptop und Tablet mit steigender Kurve und Prozentzeichen.

We develop microsimulation models to analyse the effects of tax and social policy measures. These models enable a better understanding of complex social and economic issues, support well-informed policy decisions and strengthen societal discourse. In teaching, we impart an economic understanding of topics such as consumer behaviour, strategic business decisions, macroeconomics and international trade and financial relations.

Research Focus Areas

We concentrate on two major societal transformations: demographic change and shifts in consumer behaviour. As these megatrends are of international interest, we collaborate with a range of research partners, including Uppsala University, the Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research (LISER) and the EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).

What impact does demographic change have on pension income from the first and second pillars?
How can we age more healthily?
How has consumer behaviour changed over time?
What are the CO2 emissions associated with our consumption, and how could these emissions be reduced?

Transfer

ICF/EU Commission, Policy Advice, Contribution to the EU Commission’s Pension Adequacy Report

Transfer Projects

Simulation of the Fiscal Equalisation Act reform (Government of Liechtenstein)
Simulation of revenue and distribution effects of the comprehensive tax law revision (Government of Liechtenstein)
“Round Table on Poverty” (with Caritas Liechtenstein)

Lecture Series for Junior Research Group (since 2023)
Organization of the Summer School “Dynamic Microsimulation” (2023) at the University of Freiburg (Germany)
Organization of the Summer School “Microsimulation and Advanced Empirical Methods” (2025) at the University of Galway (Ireland)

HORIZON funding for the research project “MIGAPE – Mind the Gap in Pension Income,” development of a dynamic microsimulation model
NORDFORSK funding for the research project “Sustainable Working Life for Ageing Populations”
National expert for the EU Commission, development of SWISSMOD, the Swiss country model of EUROMOD