Our story

The EIU story

The EIU was created in 1946 specifically to address the issues that readers of The Economist were asking.

The story so far

The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) was created in 1946. We have over 75 years’ experience in helping businesses, financial firms and governments to understand how the world is changing and how that creates opportunities to be seized and risks to be managed. Below is a timeline charting some key moments from our history.

2019

The Economist Group announces Lara Boro as new chief executive.

2018

The EIU acquires data information intelligence GmbH (dii), a leading healthcare consultancy and market research provider with a focus on the diagnostic, medical devices and imaging market.

2015

The EIU acquires Canback & Company, a consumer-demand predictive analytics consulting firm. Zanny Minton Beddoes becomes the 17th editor of The Economist.

2013

Chris Stibbs, previously The Economist Group’s chief finance officer and managing director of The EIU, becomes The Economist Group chief executive. Robin Bew, previously The EIU’s Editorial Director and Chief Economist, becomes Managing Director of The EIU.

2012

The EIU acquires two healthcare information companies: Clearstate, a Singapore-based business focused on Asia, and a London-based organisation, Bazian.

1997

The EIU acquires Pyramid Research, a supplier of telecommunications research.

1987

Business International is acquired and merged with The EIU.

1946

The Economist Intelligence Unit (The EIU) is founded to serve the newspaper and provide business intelligence to outside companies.

1843

The Economist: A Political, Commercial, Agricultural, & Free-Trade Journal is founded by James Wilson.

Find out more

Our global team of economists, industry specialists, policy analysts and consultants works tirelessly to produce the highest quality data, research and analysis on everything from national elections and international trade, to food security and sustainable cities.