ZEW Discussion Papers

In this paper it is tested which of the various alternative approaches for constructing knowledge spillover pools suggested in existing literature measures the extent to which a rm can costlessly receive…

In the context of EMU fiscal equalization schemes have been proposed as a means to stabilize regions against asymmetric shocks. A theoretical analysis shows that besides reducing the cross-sectional income…

This paper analyses the link between the high-skilled employment share and information technology (IT) in the service production process. Obviously, not all firms employ university graduates. To account for…

In an a priori view, it is usually assumed that the business cycle of manufacturing industries leads the business cycle of the service sector. This seems to be even more plausible for the relationship between…

This study investigates the determinants of self-employment and the effects of con-tinuous vocational training among new self-employed and job movers. The analysis is based on a cross section of individual data…

Do financial market analysts use structural economic models whenforecasting exchange rates? This is the leading question analysedin this paper. In contrast to other studies we use expectations datainstead of…

In April 1995, 5.3 million people in Germany were on the lookout for a new job opportunity. 177,000 or nearly 3% of those were searching for an opportunity to get self-employed. In this study the determinants of…

This paper analyses the effects of the creation or removal ofborders on firms' profits and their optimal location in an autarkicregion. A firm chooses a position close to a border if a crucialdegree of openness…

Productivity growth has been slow in many continental European countries overthe last few decades, especially in comparison with the United States. It has been argued thatlack of product market competition and…