The Distance Puzzle: On the Interpretation of the Distance Coefficient in Gravity Equations
Claudia M. Buch, J. Kleinert, Farid Toubal
Economics Letters,
No. 3,
2004
Abstract
Although globalization has diminished the importance of distance, empirical gravity models find little change in distance coefficients. We argue that changing distance costs are largely reflected in the constant term. A proportional fall in distance costs is consistent with constant distance coefficients.
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Germany s dependence on the economic situation in the U.S. is less crucial than generally assumed
Klaus Weyerstraß
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 6,
2002
Abstract
In the context of the recent cyclical downturn in Germany it has often been argued that Germany depends more than other European countries on international economic developments. In this article it is investigated whether empirical support can be found for this proposition. Moreover, it is explored whether this relation has changed over time. For this purpose, vector autoregressive (VAR) models are applied to the output gaps of different economies.
It is shown that in the seventies and eighties, the transmission of business cycle shocks was more pronounced to Germany than to the other EU countries. Since the middle of the nineties, no such differences can be detected. Furthermore, since the middle of the nineties, the effects of shocks from abroad on the German business cycle have been significantly more short-lived than before.
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Is there a real world interest rate?
Christian Dreger, Christian Schumacher
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 12,
2000
Abstract
The article examines the validity of real interest parity as a long run condition for the G7 countries. According to the hypothesis, differences of real interest rates are stationary. The hypothesis is supported by the means of panel unit root tests. Compared with standard unit root tests, these procedures rely on a broader long run information set and are better suited to detect a false null hypothesis.
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What can a town achieve today? Integration, urban regimes, and the acceptance of models
Peter Franz
IWH Discussion Papers,
No. 56,
1997
Abstract
Since 1990, the date of German reunification, urban development and especially the recovery of inner cities in East Germany has been delayed by several factors including real estate restitution claims, inflexible preservation codes for historic buildings, and the shortage of stores for retailers. This blockade situation has resulted in the quick and intensified development of shopping centres as „inner city substitutes“ on the urban periphery. The combined effect of the factors preventing revitalisation strategies and the newly realised and practised potential for autonomous action by the authorities of smaller municipalities was a severe restriction for the governing capacities of the authorities of the larger cities. in regaining their governance capability city governments are dependent on urban groups joining and supporting public developmental strategies. In accordance with Stone (1993) and Stoker and Mossberger (1994) urban groups active in urban development policy can be described as urban regimes. In Germany three types of regimes can be differentiated. The cities differ with respect to the political strength and the forms of coalition and conflict between different urban regimes. Specific conditions in East Germany have led to a special regime constellation with a powerful „conservation regime“ on the one hand and a vivid „globalisation regime“ on the other hand. This conflicting constellation results in a developmental blockade. The hypothesis is that a third regime type, the „local alliance“, is missing and still has to be created by practices such as city marketing and city management. Only when this regime building process has advanced will new constellations of political coalitions and compromise become possible and be able to reduce governance problems of city government in the long run.
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Causes of the growing wage-income gap in the USA: Current aspects in research and the political discussion
Peter Franz
IWH Discussion Papers,
No. 65,
1997
Abstract
Data sets from OECD countries and especially the US indicate growing inequalities in income and thus stimulate research with respect to this topic. In this paper the basic arguments and results of several studies with an economic and a sociological background are compared and discussed. It concentrates a) on the theory of Kuznets and its modifications, b) on the “technology vs. trade” controversy, and c) on panel studies which allow an analysis of income mobility. Finally the research questions are dealt with if Germany will show similar degrees of income inequality as in the US in the years to come and if the two countries differ in their political tolerance towards income inequality.
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German industry commits itself CO2 reduction; effort or self-driven development?
Bärbel Laschke
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 7,
1995
Abstract
Deutschland verpflichtete sich auf der Vertragsstaatenkonferenz zur Klima-Rahmen-Konvention im April 1995 in Berlin mit einem eigenen CO2-Reduktionsprogramm zur Verminderung des CO2-Ausstoßes um 25 bis 30 % bis 2005 gegenüber 1990. Dieses Ziel soll vor allem durch die Senkung des spezifischen Energieverbrauchs erreicht werden. Die dazu eingegangenen Selbstverpflichtungen der deutschen Wirtschaft lassen allerdings notwendige zusätzliche Anstrengungen vermissen und befürchten, dass das gesteckte Ziel verfehlt wird.
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