Service · Commissioned studies

Studies with evidential weight

Companies cannot run objective research on their own industry, market and competitors. An independent institute can. You set the goal and the question. IWCI handles methodology, fieldwork and analysis, with concrete recommendations if you want them.

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Focus areas

Six fields where IWCI runs studies

A study pays off when a decision is due and internal data is not enough. Or when nobody believes the internal data any more.

Market and competition

Market size, growth, shares, competitor profiles, market entry.

“How big is the potential really, and who is capturing it?”

Customers and buying decisions

Needs, buying criteria, willingness to pay, satisfaction, churn.

“Why do customers buy from us, and why do they leave?”

Sales and customer service

Sales models, channels, the service of tomorrow, efficiency in customer contact.

“What does our customer service look like in 2030?”

Brand and positioning

Brand perception, self image versus external image, differentiation, price position.

“What do we stand for in customers' minds, and what no longer?”

Business model and future

Trends, scenarios, digitalisation, new business, technology impact.

“Can, will and should people buy a used car online worldwide in 2030?”

Health, policy and regulation

Health economics, impact assessment, studies for policy makers, associations and payers.

“What does the health system save when smokers switch?”

Industry experience

AutomotiveIndustrial and tool makingConsumer goodsTelecommunicationsFinancial servicesIT and consultingHealth and nicotineFood

Reference case

ELFBAR and tobacco harm reduction

Commissioned study, Enterprise · Health economics

ELFBAR: What tobacco harm reduction means for Germany's health system

200,000 synthetic individuals3 scenarios2026 to 2040Report in German and English

Situation

ELFBAR, one of the world's largest providers of alternative nicotine products, needed robust evidence on the health and economic effect of smokers in Germany switching to less harmful products. A question where every number gets politically scrutinised.

Approach

Socio economic microsimulation of 200,000 synthetic individuals modelled on German demographics, smoking prevalence, disease risks and healthcare costs. Validated through expert interviews in pharmacology, addiction research and statutory health insurance, international benchmarks from the UK, Sweden and New Zealand, sensitivity analysis and academic quality assurance by IU International University.

Result

Savings in direct healthcare costs from 2026 to 2040: approx. €15bn pessimistic, €48bn realistic, €75bn optimistic. Plus measurable gains in quality adjusted life years and concrete policy recommendations. Report in German and English.

Impact: a reference study in Europe. First presented at a closed policy roundtable in Berlin, co hosted with IU International University of Applied Sciences, to decision makers from politics, health insurance and academia. Study lead Dominic Multerer, with Prof. Dr. Florian Hummel (IU) and Dr. Bernhard Schropp (microsimulation).Read the study (PDF, German) Published by ELFBAR

Savings in direct healthcare costs

Cumulative 2026 to 2040 per scenario, drawn to scale.

Pessimisticapprox. €15bn
Realisticapprox. €48bn
Optimisticapprox. €75bn

Formats

Three study formats

The format follows the question. We agree a binding budget after the first call.

Study light

up to 4 weeks

One clearly defined question, answered fast and robustly.

Price on request

Study complete

2 to 3 months

Market, customers and competition in depth, with scenarios and an action plan.

Price on request

Study enterprise

3 to 6 months

Complex questions across markets and systems. Modelling, expert validation, academic partners, academic quality assurance.

Price on request

A question nobody inside can answer neutrally?

Tell us the context. We will tell you openly whether a study is the right path.

Ask about a study Download the overview (PDF)