Working papers are the primary method of communicating and publishing research findings in economics.

Working Papers are pre-publication versions of academic publications (also know as preprints or discussion papers.) Working papers are not peer-reviewed, however the majority of working paper are later published in scholarly journals and undergo peer-review prior to publication. 

The primary objective of working papers is to disseminate research findings quickly to stimulate discussion and feedback, present cutting edge research, promote knowledge within the field, and increase transparency around research methods.