IRES, today a non profit association, was founded in 1979 by the CGIL. The research work developed by IRES over the past twenty years, has been aimed at linking theoretical analysis with research-action initiatives, the union movement with the scientific world.

The activities carried out by IRES have always centred on work: a theme that has been reinforced and developed over the years. However along side this theme and the analysis of its transformations, studies on welfare, social inclusion and sustainable development have also been developed since the end of the 1980s. Therefore, the original profile of IRES became progressively structured around some main areas of inquiry, corresponding to just as many empirical and theoretical research themes, around which IRES today organises its research activity.

The areas are as follows:

	environment and sustainable development;
	work and sindacate in the public administration;
	labour market;
	industrial relations;
	local and economic development;
	welfare and citizenship rights.

Moreover, at the end of the 1990s, IRES set up a observatories on immigration, atypical work, hidden economy and collective bargaining.

Since 1992, IRES has been involved in a number of major European projects funded under the IST, FAST, FORCE, Leonardo da Vinci, ADAPT, ADAPT II and HORIZON programs, as well as carrying out research projects for DG V, DG XIII and evaluating CVT measures for CEDEFOP. Subjects include social exclusion, innovation by networking, women's qualifications for new technologies and new forms of work organisation, the measurement of qualifications, distance training to empower communities in Information Societies, learning regions,  teleworking, local development, immigration trends and problem connected with  and industrial relations  issue to name but a few.

IRES has its own permanent research staff but also draws on a pool of specialist external consultants based in universities and elsewhere to provide expertise when required.

The institute is equipped with a comprehensive documentation centre, database and computer system for data recording and processing. It also has an administrative team experienced in the management of complex multi-partner projects.

On the basis of its Statute, the institutional aims of IRES are as follows:

	plan, promote and organise research and consultancy activities by request of CGIL structures, National Institutions and the European Union;
	conduct studies and researches independently or in conjunction with National Institutes from other countries or EU structures;
	promote and organise meetings, conferences, seminars and other events at the national and international level;
	publish and disseminate the results of studies and researches conducted.

IRES’ activity is supported by a Scientific Committee and administrated by a Directive Committee. The director of IRES is Giovanna Altieri, its president is Agostino Megale.