About RSE

Founding

RSE, The Centre for Social and Economic Research, was founded in the fall of 2004 by Professor Ragnar Árnason, Associate Professor Birgir Þór Runólfsson, Jóhann J. Ólafsson entrepreneur, Jónas Haralz, economist and former bank director and Birgir Tjörvi Pétursson, Attorney-at-law. 

Mission

RSE is an independent research centre which seeks to further the understanding of property rights and free trade in a progressive and democratic society. The way to achieve these goals is by research, education, publications, conferences and other activities. 

Independence

RSE is an independent and unaffiliated institution. RSE is not tied to any political party, independent candidates or interest groups. RSE does not accept funding from government or municipalities, but relies solely on donations from private individuals and companies. 

Form of operation

RSE is a non-profit organization in accordance with the Icelandic legal statute no. 19/1988.

Administrative structure

The Council of Representatives has the highest authority over the organization's assets, finances and operations. It is made up of no less than 5 and up to 30 individuals from various backgrounds, mainly from the business community. 

The Research Council is composed of no less than 5 and up to 20 academics. It is the decision making authority on academic projects to be undertaken by RSE.

The Board of RSE manages its operations. The board consists of the chairman, vice-chairman and treasurer of the representative council, together with the chairman and deputy chairman of the research council.

The board: Halldór Benjamín Þorbergsson Chairman of the Board, Halla Sigrún Mathiesen, Ragnar Árnason Chairman of the Research Council, Birgir Þór Runólfsson Vice-Chairman of the Research Council and Einar Sigurðsson.