Keynote by Prof. Dr. Alexander Spermann at the FRIBIS Annual Conference 2024: “Why a partial basic income is a policy option for Germany”

Abstract: According to microsimulation studies, implementing a full unconditional basic income (UBI) in Germany would require high marginal tax rates and/or new taxes to manage the financial burden. The abolition of Hartz IV, i.e., the introduction of a system closer to the UBI called ‘Bürgergeld’, is currently under scrutiny as costs have risen and recipients are making less effort to find employment. Meanwhile, most policymakers favor a regression rather than further development towards UBI. The author argues that a partial UBI with clear incentives for job uptake and increased working hours through reduced benefit withdrawal rates and temporary bonuses could align both equity and efficiency goals.

Biography: Prof. Dr. Alexander Spermann is an economist and teaches at the FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management in Cologne. He has held leadership positions in international economic research institutes (ZEW Mannheim, IZA Bonn) and served as a top manager in an international human resources services company (Randstad). In total, he has published over 100 academic articles and several books. Spermann is a GLO Research Fellow and was ranked among the top 100 most influential economists in Germany according to the FAZ economist ranking in 2016 due to his media presence and research work. He leads the research team Basisgeld at FRIBIS.