ZEW Discussion Papers

The traditional argument that shorter product cycles favor trade secrets over patenting is based on the presumption that copying becomes less pro table and trade secrets less likely to be discovered when a…

Downward rigid wages are of major importance in economic policy and are severely discussed in the public. Especially in Germany, where the nominal wage level is above that of its main international competitors,…

The introduction of genetically modified (GM) content in food products has been the object of controversial debates in several countries for more than a decade. Opponents warn against potential dangers to the…

In March 2007, the European Council has agreed upon ambitious climate and energy policy targets for the period after the expiry of the Kyoto Protocol in the year 2012. It envisages reducing greenhouse gas…

Individuals who want to become entrepreneurs need to spend time on an important aspect: risk. They risk not only their financial well-being, their career, their family relations, but also their physical…

Many school-leavers enter the labour market via temporary employment. As employers could exploit the weak bargaining position of job starters, fixed-term contracts at the beginning of the labour market career…

This paper investigates the role of research and development (R&D) and innovation management for innovation success in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While there is little doubt about the…

With the public opinion getting more aware of adverse environmental consequences of economic activities, many firms have improved environmental performance not only due to more stringent environmental regulation…

Language proficiency may not only affect the earnings of the individual, but the probability to participate in the labor market or becoming employed as well. It may also affect selection of people into economic…