Research Division Innovation Economics

Building on the analyses of the research division, it is possible to work out possible implications for economic policy. Furthermore, the focus is increasingly on studies that allow for international comparability.

It should be emphasised that the empirical basis of many studies consists of self-collected company data. This presupposes a well-managed company panel as a survey instrument. The company data, in turn, can be aggregated at the industry or sector level, which greatly expands the possible use. The evaluation of data from different aggregation levels is to be given greater weight in the future, especially for questions on structural change.

The activities of the research area are currently divided thematically as follows:

• Generation and diffusion of innovation and new technologies and economic performance
• Knowledge and technology transfer between firms and universities
• Human capital formation and economic performance
• Formation and restructuring of firms
• Structural change and economic performance at industry and sector level
• Internationalisation of firm activities