ESCESP

ESCESP stands for the European Society for the Study of Economic and Social Policy. It is an international non-profit scholarly association focused on interdisciplinary research in economics, sociology, and public policy, with a European emphasis and global engagement. The society organizes conferences and disseminates policy-relevant findings to researchers and policymakers.

The organization was founded in 2010 by universities and research institutes across Europe to foster collaboration between economists and sociologists on policy questions such as labor markets and welfare systems. In 2012 it launched the Journal of Economic and Social Policy and the European Conference on Economic and Social Policy.

Key activities include an annual conference, thematic working groups, a policy-brief series, and an open-data repository. ESCESP also funds early-career research through grants and supports exchanges with partner ministries and think tanks.

Governance is provided by a board of directors elected for two-year terms and overseen by a general assembly. A permanent secretariat based in Brussels coordinates operations, and regional chapters extend participation. Membership comprises regular, student, and institutional affiliates.

Impact and reception are mixed: the organization is cited in academic and policy debates, but has faced concerns about regional balance and access to non-open materials. ESCESP addresses these through open-access initiatives and expanded regional activities.