ZEW Discussion Papers

This paper introduces a methodological innovation into Generational Accounting. By incorporating cyclically-adjusted balances into the forward-looking budget projections underlying the concept we isolate pure…

Endogeneity in network formation hinders the identification of the role that social networks play in generating spillovers, peer effects and other externalities. This paper tackles this problem and investigates…

While a widespread consensus exists among macroeconomists that the German labour market reforms in 2003-2005 have successfully contributed to the decline of the unemployment rate, critics claim that the reforms…

Patente sind oft wenig effektiv als Anreizmechanismus für Forschung und Entwicklung. Falls sequentielle Innovationsaktivitäten komplementär sind, vermögen Patente den technischen Fortschritt sogar zu bremsen…

For innovative start-ups, an effective patent system is a crucial factor for success and survival. The importance of patents for start-ups is based on two features. First, patents grant temporary monopoly rights…

Private Equity (PE)-Gesellschaften betonen seit längerer Zeit ihren Beitrag zur Wertsteigerung in Portfoliogesellschaften. Dieses Diskussionspapier befasst sich mit einer zentralen Strategie der PE-Investoren,…

Gründungen können als Vehikel des Wissens- und Technologietransfers angesehen werden. Dies geschieht in der Weise, dass Gründer Ideen kommerzialisieren, die sonst vernachlässigt worden wären. Eine Gruppe von…

Sectoral heterogeneity is crucial to address several economic questions. This pap er provides a detailed mapping of sectoral pro duction p ossibility frontiers, using different nesting structures and levels of…

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges in current environmental policy. Appropriate policies intended to stimulate efficient adaptation and mitigation should not exclusively rely on the assumption…