Content
1. News
27.03.2018 · ZEW (awh)
Statement
Germany’s Federal Cartel Office – 60 Years of Protecting Competition
Happy birthday to the German Federal Cartel Office! As the Federal Cartel Office turns 60 this year, it can look back on a long history of successes. But now is not the time for the Office to rest on its laurels. The mission of the Federal Cartel Office is to enforce the Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB), which forms the basis of Germany’s antitrust laws, and in doing so protect competition. The GWB sets out rules for the main instruments for protecting competition: anti-cartel enforcement, abuse control, and merger control. However, the GWB was not welcomed from all sides before it was passed. As the leading advocate of legally determined competition regulations back in the 1950s, Ludwig Erhard did not have an easy task facing up to the voices of protest coming from German industry. The GWB was eventually passed in 1957 and came into effect on 1 January 1958.
Read the complete statement
16.03.2018 · ZEW (sel/ybr)
Dates and News
Kick-off Round of YES! – Young Economic Summit 2018 Takes Place at ZEW
How can we most effectively integrate highly skilled migrants into the labour market? What can we do to advance the process of digitalisation in Germany? How can we combat child poverty? These are just some of the issues that served as the focus of the second kick-off week of the YES! – Young Economic Summit – the largest economics competition for high school students in Germany – hosted by ZEW on 13–16 March 2018. The event saw four teams of high school students get to grips with their assigned topics with the help of ZEW researchers.
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15.03.2018 · ZEW (sfr/ybr)
Conferences
MaCCI Annual Conference 2018 Focuses on Competition and Innovation
In collaboration with the University of Mannheim, ZEW hosted the seventh annual conference of the Mannheim Centre for Competition and Innovation (MaCCI). About 120 participants, including many renowned experts from the worlds of research and business, attended the event to discuss cutting-edge and highly relevant research issues relating to competition and innovation from an economic and legal perspective.
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08.03.2018 · ZEW (jgl)
DIFI Report by ZEW and JLL – Outlook for Real Estate Financing Sours Despite Positive Financial Climate
Despite the current positive financial climate, the German Real Estate Finance Index (DIFI) by ZEW and JLL dropped by 7.9 points in the first quarter of 2018 to a current reading of minus 7.8 points. This drop can be attributed to worsening business expectations with regard to commercial real estate financing. Current sentiment remains positive, however, the only exception being in the case of retail property financing.
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26.02.2018 · ZEW (joh/sel)
Questions & Answers
The Textile Industry Is Among the Most Cutting-Edge of Germany’s Innovative Sectors
What potential is there in the smart textile market? With potential uses ranging from fashionable everyday clothing and sportswear to applications in medicine, the military and the construction sector, it’s no surprise so-called “smart textiles” are on the rise. Growth projections for this sector of the economy are optimistic. ZEW researchers Dr. Jörg Ohnemus and Dr. Fabienne Rasel have produced a report on the smart, or intelligent, textile industry in Germany on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. In this interview, Jörg Ohnemus offers some insights on this new market, including its future prospects and potential innovations.
Read the complete interview
Additional ZEW news
2. Call for Papers
2.1. 2018 Summer School: Topics and Methods in Labor Market Research
27.03.2018 · ZEW (jgl)
2018 Summer School: Topics and Methods in Labor Market Research (23–27 July 2018)
The Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) is pleased to announce the Summer School in Labor Market Research from 23 to 27 July 2018, organized by the DFG Priority Program 1764. The aim of the workshop is to bring together PhD students, junior researchers and renowned international researchers to study and discuss recent research topics in labor market research. Doctoral students and postdocs who have completed their thesis within the last three years are encouraged to apply. Applications should include a CV, a list of publications and a reference letter from the academic advisor. Active participants must include an extended abstract (3 pages in PDF format) or a full paper. Please send your complete application to Angelika Ganserer at dfg1764@zew.de no later than 23 April 2018.
Additional information and call for papers
2.2. 20th ZEW Summer Workshop for Young Economists
20.03.2018 · ZEW (jgl)
20th ZEW Summer Workshop for Young Economists (2–5 July 2018)
The Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) is pleased to announce its 20th ZEW Summer Workshop in July 2018. This year’s workshop will focus on the the use of internet-based data and of modern approaches such as machine learning for economic analyses. Topics from labour or public economics, innovation economics or the digital economy might be addressed. The ZEW Summer Workshop provides a forum for discussion between doctoral students and established experts in the field. Doctoral students and postdocs who have completed their thesis within the last three years are encouraged to apply. Interested researchers should submit a full paper version (preliminary versions are welcome) and a CV in PDF format no later than 20 April 2018 to summerworkshop2018@zew.de. At the end of the workshop, the presenter of the best paper at the ZEW Summer Workshop will be awarded the Heinz König Young Scholar Award.
Additional information and call for papers
2.3. Fourth International ZEW Conference on the Dynamics of Entrepreneurship
16.03.2018 · ZEW (ybr)
Fourth International ZEW Conference on the Dynamics of Entrepreneurship (18–19 June 2018)
The Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) is pleased to announce that the third international ZEW Conference on the Dynamics of Entrepreneurship is taking place on 18 and 19 June 2018. The formation, growth, and exit of firms are crucial for innovation, employment, and structural change in modern economies. The aim of this conference is to discuss recent scientific contributions on the interdependencies between finance, human capital, and innovation and investment activities of young firms, as well as on public policies which promote these activities. Theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented contributions from all areas of entrepreneurship research are welcome. Please submit your paper (short papers/extended abstracts with a minimum of 4,000 words are also welcome) as a PDF file to entrepreneurship2018@zew.de no later than 8 April 2018.
Additional information and call for papers
3. Personalia
3.1. Guests at ZEW
07.03.2018 · ZEW (thp)
Marco de Pinto Visiting Researcher at ZEW
Dr. Marco de Pinto was a visiting researcher in ZEW’s Research Department “Labour Markets, Human Resources and Social Policy” from 6 to 8 March 2018. He works as a research assistant at the Institute for Labour Law and Industrial Relations in the European Union (IAAEU) and in the department of Personnel Economics at the University of Trier. His research focuses on labour market economy, personnel and education economics, as well as international trade. During his visit, he worked with ZEW researchers on a joint research project that investigates the consequences of international trade for workers’ careers in local labour markets.
Additional information on Dr. Maro de Pinto
4. Press Releases
27.03.2018 · ZEW (fpf/sel)
Research
Public Programme Improves Social Integration of the Long-Term Unemployed
The public programme “Soziale Teilhabe am Arbeitsmarkt” (“Social Inclusion in the Labour Market”) has increased the level of social integration among long-term unemployed individuals in Germany. Most participants in the programme are older people who had been receiving government benefits for nine years on average. These are the results of the second interim report on the evaluation of the government programme which was compiled by a research consortium including the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Mannheim, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS).
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20.03.2018 · ZEW (lst/ggr)
ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment
Economic Outlook Worsens Considerably
The ZEW Indicator of Economic Sentiment for Germany decreased sharply in March 2018. The index has fallen by 12.7 points compared to the previous month, now standing at 5.1 points (long-term average: 23.6 points). The percentage of experts anticipating a decline over the coming six months has risen by 7.2 per cent to 12.9 per cent.
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13.03.2018 · ZEW (msc/fkr)
China Economic Panel
Economic Outlook for China Experiences Dramatic Drop
In the March survey (22.02.–07.03.2018), economic expectations for China experienced a considerable drop. The CEP indicator now stands at 1.4 points, 13.3 points lower than in the previous month (February 2018: 14.7 points). This sees the CEP Indicator, which reflects the expectations of international financial market experts regarding China’s macroeconomic development over the coming twelve months, return to its level from January 2018.
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08.03.2018 · ZEW (fhei/fkr)
Comment
The ECB Sends an Important Message to Italy
As expected, the European Central Bank (ECB) has once again decided not to adjust its interest rates. The ECB has, however, changed its message slightly when it comes to its ongoing asset purchase programme, dropping the previously included suggestion that the programme might be expanded. Professor Friedrich Heinemann, head of the Research Department “Corporate Taxation and Public Finance” at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Mannheim, comments on the ECB’s actions.
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05.03.2018 · ZEW (fhe/fkr)
Comment
In the Aftermath of the Italian Election, the EU Commission Must Finally Enforce the Stability and Growth Pact
The parliamentary election in Italy has left no party or coalition with a clear majority. While Eurosceptic parties experienced a surge in popularity, the current governing party, the Social Democrats, suffered heavy losses. Professor Friedrich Heinemann, head of the Research Department “Corporate Taxation and Public Finance” at the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW), Mannheim, comments on the new situation in Italy.
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Additional ZEW press releases
5. Recent Publications
Our publications are available to download in PDF format. PDF files can be viewed using for example the Acrobat Reader, which you can download for free at https://acrobat. adobe. com/us/en/acrobat/pdf-reader. html
IN ENGLISH
5.1. ZEW policy brief
ZEW policy brief – No. 1, 2018
Friedrich Heinemann
Elections in Italy: Ten Facts and Ten Conclusions on Italy’s Debt Situation
Download PDF file (110 KB)
5.2. German Real Estate Finance Index (DIFI) Report
DIFI-Report, First Quarter 2018
Lower Optimism at the Start of the Year- DIFI Below Zero Despite a Continuation of the Favourable Financing Conditions
- Where Are the Markets for Retail Property Financing?
- Rising Costs for Bank Bonds
- Special Question: The Proportion of Total Financing Business Attributable to the Individual Risk Categories and the Development of LTVs
Download PDF file (2.7 MB)
5.3. ZEW Discussion Papers
Discussion Paper 18-011
Marek Giebel; Kornelius Kraft
Bank Credit Supply and Firm Innovation
Download PDF file (730 KB)
IN GERMAN
5.4. ZEWnews German Edition
The March 2018 ZEWnews German Edition contains the following articles:
- Families and Older People Set to Benefit the Most from Germany’s “Grand Coalition”
- Cyber Security: The Achilles Heel of Digital Transformation
- Private Banks: Key Pillars of German Foreign Trade
- Flexibility Is the Key to the Success of Germany’s Energy Transition
- Q&A: “The Changes to the Law on Fixed-Term Employment Are Not Merely Symbolic”
- Opinion: Germany’s Federal Cartel Office – 60 Years of Protecting Competition
Download as PDF file (496 KB) in German
This issue includes a focus on innovation, with the overarching topic being that “Innovation Expenditure in the German Economy Reaches New Record High”.
Download as PDF file (164 KB) in German
5.5. ZEW policy brief
ZEW policy brief – No. 2, 2018
Florain Buhlmann, Eric Sommer and Holger Stichnoth
Verteilungswirkungen der Reformpläne der Großen Koalition: Rentner und Familien sind die Hauptprofiteure (Distributional Effects of the Grand Coalition’s Reform Plans: Pensioners and Families Benefit the Most)
Download as PDF file (157 KB) in German
ZEW policy brief – No. 3, 2018
Martin Achtnicht, Martin Kesternich and Bodo Sturm
Die „Diesel-Debatte“: Ökonomische Handlungsempfehlungen an die Politik (The “Diesel Debate”: Economic Policy Recommendations)
Download as PDF file (145 KB) in German
5.6. ZEW-Finanzmarktreport (ZEW Financial Market Report)
ZEW Financial Market Report April 2018
- Economic Outlook Worsens Considerably
- Eurozone: Significant Decline in Economic Expectations
- USA: Economic Expectations Decrease Sharply
- Japan: Economic Outlook Worsens Once Again
- Great Britain: Economic Situation Improves Slightly
- Victory of Populist Parties Represents a Severe Test to Italy and Europe
Download PDF file (177 KB) in German
5.7. ZEW Discussion Papers
Discussion Paper 18-012
Thomas Fetzer
Impulsstudie „Telekommunikationsregulierung 4.0“ (Impulse Study “Telecommunications Regulation 4.0”)
Download des PDFs (1.1 MB) in German
5.8. Gutachten/Forschungsberichte (Expertises/Research Reports)
Daniel Arnold, Sebastian Butschek, Philipp Grunau, Patrick Kampkötter, Katharina Laske, Jan Mackeben, Patrick Maier, Lea Petters, Sonja Scheuring, Dirk Sliwka, Susanne Steffes and Stefanie Wolter
Arbeitsqualität und wirtschaftlicher Erfolg: Längsschnittstudie in deutschen Betrieben (Work Quality and Economic Success: Longitudinal Study in German Companies)
Download PDF file (1.6 MB) in German
Irene Bertschek, Jörg Ohnemus, Daniel Erdsiek, Simone Kimpeler, Christian Rammer and Marcus Klein
Monitoringbericht der Kultur- und Kreativwirtschaft 2017 (Monitoring Report: Germany’s Cultural and Creative Industries 2017)
Download PDF file (2.6 MB) in German
Irene Bertschek, Jörg Ohnemus, Daniel Erdsiek, Sabine Graumann and Tobias Weber
Monitoring-Report Wirtschaft DIGITAL Baden-Württemberg – Kurzfassung (Monitoring Report DIGITAL Economy Baden-Württemberg – Short Version)
Download PDF file (1.4 MB) in German
Irene Bertschek, Daniel Erdsiek, Jörg Ohnemus, Sabine Graumann and Tobias Weber
Wirtschaft Digital Baden-Württemberg: Monitoring-Report (DIGITAL Economy Baden-Württemberg: Monitoring Report)
Download PDF file (4.2 MB) in German
Additional ZEW publications
6. New Research Projects
Pathways to Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Supply Chains
Additional information on the project site
Do in-kind Benefits Reach Children?
Additional information on the project site
Opportunities and Challenges of the Digital Eco-System of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Additional information on the project site
Additional ZEW projects
7. Events
7.1. Scientific Events
06.04.2018 - 07.04.2018
Conference
International Conference on Demographics, Immigration, and the Labor Market
Location of the event: Institute for Employment Research (IAB), Nuremberg
Additional information
17.04.2018
ZEW Research Seminar
Should Pollution Taxes Be Targeted at Income Redistribution?
Speaker: Prof. Frederick van der Ploeg, PhD (University of Oxford)
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
19.04.2018
Mannheim Competition Policy Forum
The Price Concentration Dispute in UPS-TNT
Speaker: Dr. Jorge Padilla (Compass Lexecon, Chicago)
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
23.04.2018 - 24.04.2018
Conference
2018 ZEW Public Finance Conference: The Future of Fiscal Coordination in Europe
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
26.04.2018
ZEW Research Seminar
The Influence of Overconfidence and Competition Neglect on Entry into Competition
Speaker: Katharina Schüssler (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich)
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
26.04.2018
Mannheim Competition Policy Forum
Intermediaries and the Legal Protection of Pluralism
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Ralf Müller-Terpitz (University of Mannheim)
Location of the event: University of Mannheim
Additional information
11.05.2018 - 12.05.2018
Conference
Macroeconomics and the Labour Market
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
14.05.2018 - 15.05.2018
Conference
Seventh Mannheim Energy Conference
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
17.05.2018 - 18.05.2018
Workshop
Geodata and Economics
Location of the event: TU Braunschweig
Additional information
24.05.2018
Mannheim Competition Policy Forum
Optimal Non-Prosecution Agreements and the Reputational Effect of Convictions
Speaker: Prof. Murat C. Mungan, PhD (George Mason University, Arlington)
Location of the event: University of Mannheim
Additional information
28.05.2018 - 29.05.2018
Workshop
2018 ZEW Workshop on Market Design
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
28.05.2018 - 01.06.2018
Workshop
Eighth Edition of the Competition and Innovation Summer School (CISS)
Location of the event: Ulcinj, Montenegro
Additional information
7.2. Public Events
16.04.2018
First-Hand Information on Economic Policy
Catching up with Silicon Valley: More is More When it Comes to Digitalisation in Germany
Speakers: Andreas von Bechtolsheim (Co-founder of Sun Microsystems), Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (Minister of Economic Affairs, Labour and Housing of the State of Baden-Württemberg), Dr. Georg Müller (Chairman of the Executive Board (CEO) at MVV Energie AG), Prof. Achim Wambach, PhD (ZEW)
Moderation: Silke Wettach (Wirtschaftswoche)
Location of the event: BW-Bank Stuttgart
Additional information
02.05.2018
ZEW Lunch Debates
Reforming the Eurozone: Prospects and Challenges
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Friedrich Heinemann (ZEW), Paulina Dejmek-Hack (European Commission, Economic Advisor to Jean-Claude Juncker), Hans Vijlbrief (Council of the European Union, President of the Eurogroup Working Group), Roberto Tamborini, PhD (University of Trento)
Moderation: Silke Wettach (Wirtschaftswoche)
Location of the event: Representation of the State of Baden-Württemberg to the European Union, Brussels
Additional information
02.05.2018
First-Hand Information on Economic Policy
Communication as a Monetary Policy Tool for Central Banks
Speaker: Dr. Jens Weidmann (President of the Deutsche Bundesbank)
Location of the event: ZEW, Mannheim
Additional information
Additional ZEW events
Picture Credits: press release of 27 March 2018: iiStock.com/Fotonomada, press release of 8 March 2018: iStock.com/instamatics, press release of 5 March 2018: iStock.com/sjhaytov
All further pictures: ©ZEW
yvonne.braeutigam@zew.de
