Bureau of Economics
Stored: Bureau of Economics
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Bureau of Economics (BE) is a key component of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), located in Washington, D.C. It conducts economic analysis to support the FTC's law enforcement and policy-making activities in the areas of antitrust and consumer protection.
Mission
The mission of the Bureau of Economics is to apply economic theory and empirical research to enhance the FTC's understanding of competition and consumer protection issues. BE's work informs the agency's decisions regarding mergers, monopolistic practices, deceptive marketing, and privacy concerns, thereby promoting consumer welfare and competitive markets.[1]
Parent organization
The Bureau of Economics is part of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which operates as an Independent Agency. The FTC is tasked with protecting consumers and promoting competition.
Legislation
The Bureau operates under the authority of the Federal Trade Commission Act, alongside other key antitrust laws like the Sherman Act and Clayton Act.
Partners
- Other FTC bureaus for interdisciplinary analysis
- Academic institutions for research collaboration
- Government agencies for economic policy coordination
Number of employees
The exact number of employees is not publicly specified, but BE includes economists, statisticians, and research analysts.
Organization structure
The structure of BE involves:
Leader
The head of the Bureau is the Director of the Bureau of Economics.
Divisions
- Consumer Protection Division for analyzing consumer issues
- Competition Division for antitrust economic analysis
- Research and Analysis Division for broader economic studies
List of programs
- Merger Analysis to assess competitive impacts
- Consumer Protection Research to study consumer behavior and market effects
- Policy Development through economic insights
- Economic Working Papers and public reports[2]
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for the Bureau of Economics isn't publicly detailed as a separate figure; it's part of the FTC's overall budget.
Staff
Staff includes professional economists, data analysts, and support personnel focused on economic analysis and research.
Funding
Funding for the Bureau comes from the FTC's budget, which is appropriated by Congress.
Services provided
BE provides economic analysis for antitrust enforcement, consumer protection initiatives, and policy development. It conducts empirical research, provides expert testimony, and develops models to understand market dynamics and consumer impacts.[3]
Headquarters address
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580
History
The Bureau of Economics has been integral to the FTC since its inception under the Federal Trade Commission Act in 1914. Over the years, BE has expanded its scope and methodologies to address evolving economic challenges, significantly influencing FTC's policy and enforcement actions.
External links
References
- ↑ Federal Trade Commission (2025). "Bureau of Economics". Federal Trade Commission.
- ↑ Federal Trade Commission (2025). "Bureau of Economics". Federal Trade Commission.
- ↑ Federal Trade Commission (2025). "Bureau of Economics". Federal Trade Commission.