Founded in 1984, the Competitive Enterprise Institute is widely recognized as a leading and effective advocate for freedom on a wide range of critical economic and regulatory policy issues. Each year, our research and analysis are cited thousands of times in major media outlets, relied upon by scholars and advocates, and used by members of Congress, executive branch officials, and other federal and state policymakers as the basis for reform actions and proposals. Our work provides policymakers with user-friendly data and analysis, as well as concrete, actionable reform proposals.
CEI was among the first organizations in the free market movement founded expressly to pursue a full-service approach to advancing public policy. We not only publish original and insightful analysis, we then use that intellectual ammunition to craft advocacy and education campaigns designed to change minds and transform policy. In addition to producing scholarly studies, CEI policy analysts produce timely commentaries for major news organizations, appear on television and radio programs, promote reform ideas through digital and online forums, and engage with other experts who cover our key policy areas.
CEI experts also meet regularly with members of Congress and state legislators, legislative staff, department heads and agency leaders, and senior administration officials to engage in direct advocacy. We participate actively in the regulatory process by testifying at congressional and agency hearings and meetings, and by filing comments on proposed rules, guidance documents, and other agency proposals. And we regularly partner with coalition allies to pursue reforms at the state and local levels of government.
Through an active law and litigation program, CEI initiates lawsuits and files amicus briefs in on-going cases that challenge the constitutionality of dubious statutes and the legality of onerous regulations. This program has won multiple precedent-setting rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, lower federal appeals courts, and state courts. But no matter the venue, CEI’s cases ensure greater economic liberty, increased government transparency and accountability, and a stronger commitment to the rule of law.
CEI is a non-partisan educational and research institute operating under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. CEI accepts no government grants or contracts and does not have an endowment. Contributions to support our efforts are tax deductible.
CEI is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, educational institute.
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Experience Our History
Founded in 1984 by Fred Smith Jr., the Competitive Enterprise Institute has a long and colorful history as the leading and effective advocate for freedom on a wide range of critical economic and regulatory policy issues. CEI's mission is to promote both freedom and fairness by making good policy good politics.
Featured Quotes
"Thank you [CEI] for the work you’ve done over the years and the help that you’ve given me. You’ve shaped my outlook."
"What’s important are the ideas. And I appreciate that the Competitive Enterprise Institute is involved in ideas. Because you have to win the idea before you win the argument. You have to win the ideas before you win the political debate. That ammunition is what we need."
"If you're going to compare it to a religious institution, CEI is much more like the Shaolin Temple from the movies, where they go forth like warrior priests to conquer."
"Thanks for all the work that you and CEI do for the development of public policy. We in government benefit enormously from the research, the analysis, and the perspective that’s brought by those who are outside government. CEI has been a leading voice for limited government and liberty since its founding during the Reagan administration."
"While many on the right are lying low while the free market implodes, the Competitive Enterprise Institute isn't backing down, fighting on fronts from the bailout to green energy."
"Over its 25-year history, CEI has played a critical role in preventing the worst of the left's utopian nightmares from becoming reality, and in undoing some of the damage those policies have created."
"… over 20 years, I have seen them have a tremendous effect."
"Thank you [CEI] for the work you’ve done over the years and the help that you’ve given me. You’ve shaped my outlook."
"What’s important are the ideas. And I appreciate that the Competitive Enterprise Institute is involved in ideas. Because you have to win the idea before you win the argument. You have to win the ideas before you win the political debate. That ammunition is what we need."
"If you're going to compare it to a religious institution, CEI is much more like the Shaolin Temple from the movies, where they go forth like warrior priests to conquer."
"Thanks for all the work that you and CEI do for the development of public policy. We in government benefit enormously from the research, the analysis, and the perspective that’s brought by those who are outside government. CEI has been a leading voice for limited government and liberty since its founding during the Reagan administration."
"While many on the right are lying low while the free market implodes, the Competitive Enterprise Institute isn't backing down, fighting on fronts from the bailout to green energy."
"Over its 25-year history, CEI has played a critical role in preventing the worst of the left's utopian nightmares from becoming reality, and in undoing some of the damage those policies have created."
"… over 20 years, I have seen them have a tremendous effect."
