1929–1940 The NEI was established in 1929 by a group of businessmen from Rotterdam. Its initial purpose was to collect economic data and to analyze economic problems. It published its research in its own journal
Economische Statistische Berichten (ESB). Over the years it added economic consultancy. Before the
second World War it remained relatively small with about 20 employees.
1945–1990 NEI was affiliated with the
Erasmus University Rotterdam. One of its directors was professor
Jan Tinbergen, who won the first Nobel prize in Economics in 1969. Through his influence NEI became a strong player in
development economics. Another director, professor Klaassen, stimulated growth in the field of spatial economics. Later, professor Molle led the NEI to prominence in the field of European integration. Through such expansions and diversifications NEI grew and internationalized significantly. In 1970 it had about 80 employees.
1990–1999 Together with six other European research and consultancy companies NEI founded ERECO, the European Economic Research and Advisory Consortium. In 1999 NEI was split into a company for research & consultancy and a foundation with the aim to foster economic research. Thereafter NEI merges with Kolpron, a Dutch consulting company in real estate. == Ecorys ==