This paper investigates the factors that explain the level and dynamics of manufacturing firm productive efficiency. In our empirical analysis, we use a unique sample of about 39,000 firms in 256 industries from the German Cost Structure Census over the years 1992-2005. We estimate the efficiencies of the firms and relate them to firm-specific and environmental factors. We find that (1) about half ...
This paper describes the different institutional frameworks for infrastructure policy in Germany and France. The economic effects of infrastructure are estimated econometrically for German and French regions. We find evidence that regional road infrastructure has a significant impact on regional output. Moreover, we find evidence that for Germany the priority of promoting equal living conditions throughout ...
Der Wandel der Produktions- und Nachfragebedingungen verlangt von den Unternehmen immer wieder Anpassungen ihrer Produktpalette. Die Mehrzahl der Unternehmen im verarbeitenden Gewerbe in Deutschland verfolgten dabei eine Spezialisierungsstrategie. Sie konzentrieren sich auf die Erstellung und Vermarktung immer weniger Produkte. Damit steigern diese Unternehmen vor allem ihre Produktivität. Unternehmen ...
A rich literature links knowledge inputs with innovative outputs. However, most of what is known is restricted to manufacturing. This paper analyzes whether the three aspects involving innovative activity - R&D; innovative output; and productivity - hold for knowledge intensive services. Combining the models of Crepon et al. (1998) and of Ackerberg et al. (2015), allows for causal interpretation of ...