Since the mid 1980s a renaissance of the growth theory and the empirial growth research is observable. The scientific focus is put on the question of the driving forces of economic growth. Do these forces result in divergence, which means poor regions becoming poorer and rich regions even wealthier or in convergence, which means an adaptation of regional living conditions? Which speed has this process and how can the economic policy influence this development? The results of the empirical growth research including publications of the GEFRA offer scientific-based answers to these questions.

Furthermore, another central macroeconomic research field of the GEFRA is the effect of the information and communication technologies (ICT) on the economical development. ICT have worldwide developed to a key for growth and wealth and are discussed under the headword "New Economy". Within the framework of structural report for the Federal Ministry of Economics GEFRA contributed to this field of research.