The current economic crisis started in the USA between 2007 and 2008, and its causes are still being discussed. Although there are many theoretical proposals that analyze the causes and possible solutions to this situation, the number of empirical research is still very scarce. The objective consisted of collecting and analyzing the opinion of the world scientific community on the causes and possible solutions to the crisis. 1770 scientists answered a questionnaire specifically designed for this purpose. Results show that the causes of the economic crisis depended on the management inside and outside the financial institutions. The highest percentage of participants was in agreement with a solution that promotes private initiative but also with governmental help and control.