Alexander Schiersch, since 2009 researcher in the department Innovation, Manufacturing, Service, has successfully defended his doctoral thesis “Essays on efficiency and competition of German manufacturing firms“ at Europa-Universität Viadrina Frankfurt (Oder) (summa cum laude). His thesis was examined by the professors Alexander Kritikos, DIW Berlin und Universität Potsdam and Friedel Bolle, Europa-Universität Viadrina.