New SEEK Projects Started on April 1, 2014

The review process of proposals submitted for the fifth call for projects in the SEEK research programme has been completed. Six new projects started on April 1, 2014. In a rigorous selection process, an expert committee of renowned researchers assessed 26 high-quality project proposals and finally approved six submissions. The projects were selected for the SEEK research programme due to their extraordinary scientific quality and originality, and because of the high level of international cooperation and exchange among the researchers involved. In all project teams ZEW researchers co-operate closely with internationally distinguished colleagues. Against the backdrop of the European economic and financial crisis, demand is higher than ever for economic expertise and independent, scientifically grounded policy advice. The 2014 SEEK projects thus focus on the central topic "Overcoming the Crisis in Europe". Their target is to deepen our understanding of the crisis and to provide politicians and decision-makers with empirical, science-based expertise.

In the fifth funding period, the following six projects will be funded within the SEEK research programme:

• Resilience in Times of Crisis: The Role of ICT; Evidence for Europe
• Evaluating the Introduction of a Uniform Minimum Wage in Germany: A Structural Equilibrium Job Search Approach
• Human Capital Formation in Young Firms and the Crisis: A Comparative Analysis of Portugal and Germany
• Fiscal Governance and Adjustments Under Crisis Conditions
• Credit Supply of Banks and SME Financing in the Crisis - Unveiling the Real Economic Effects
• Side Effects of Economic Crises in Europe and Provision of Online Public Goods