Universities and Innovation in Space
Michael Fritsch, Viktor Slavtchev
Freiberg Working Papers, Nr. 15-2006,
No. 15,
2006
Abstract
We investigate the role of universities as a knowledge source for regional innovation processes. The contribution of universities is tested on the level of German NUTS-3 regions (Kreise) by using a variety of indicators. We find that the intensity and quality of the research conducted by the universities have a significant effect on regional innovative output while pure size is unimportant. Therefore, a policy that wants to promote regional innovation processes by building up universities should place substantial emphasis on the intensity and quality of the research conducted there.
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Measuring the Efficiency of Regional Innovation Systems – An Empirical Assessment
Michael Fritsch, Viktor Slavtchev
Freiberg Working Papers, Nr. 08-2006,
No. 8,
2006
Abstract
We measure the efficiency of regional innovation systems (RIS) in Germany by means of a knowledge production function. This function relates private sector Research and Development (R&D) in a region to the number of inventions that have been registered by residents of that region. Two approaches are followed. First, it is assumed that differences in the productivity of private sector R&D between regions affect the slope of the KPF, which represents the marginal productivity of R&D input. The second approach assesses regional differences within the framework of a stochastic frontier knowledge production function. This approach mainly reveals differences with regard to the intercept of the knowledge production function and, therefore, with regard to the average productivity. We compare the results of both approaches and discuss a number of critical issues such as the properties of the distribution of efficiencies, the appropriate size of RIS, and how to deal with the issue of spatial autocorrelation.
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Structural Change during Transition: Is Russia Becoming a Service Economy?
Albrecht Kauffmann
Volkswirtschaftliche Diskussionsbeiträge der Wirtschafts- und Sozialwissenschaftlichen Fakultät, Universität Potsdam, Nr. 80,
No. 80,
2005
Abstract
This paper analyses the structural change in Russia during the transition from the planned to a market economy. With regard to the famous three sector hypothesis, broad economic sectors were formed as required by this theory. The computation of their shares at GNP at market prices using Input-Output tables, and the adjustment of results from distortions, generated as side effects of tax avoidance practices, shows results that clearly reject claims that Russia would be on the road to a post-industrial service economy. Instead, at least until 2001, a tendency of “primarisation“ could be observed, that presents Russia closer to less-developed countries.
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Quality of Service, Efficiency, and Scale in Network Industries: An Analysis of European Electricity Distribution
Christian Growitsch, Tooraj Jamasb, Michael Pollitt
IWH Discussion Papers,
No. 3,
2005
Abstract
Quality of service is of major economic significance in natural monopoly infrastructure industries and is increasingly addressed in regulatory schemes. However, this important aspect is generally not reflected in efficiency analysis of these industries. In this paper we present an efficiency analysis of electricity distribution networks using a sample of about 500 electricity distribution utilities from seven European countries. We apply the stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) method on multi-output translog input distance function models to estimate cost and scale efficiency with and without incorporating quality of service. We show that introducing the quality dimension into the analysis affects estimated efficiency significantly. In contrast to previous research, smaller utilities seem to indicate lower technical efficiency when incorporating quality. We also show that incorporating quality of service does not alter scale economy measures. Our results emphasise that quality of service should be an integrated part of efficiency analysis and incentive regulation regimes, as well as in the economic review of market concentration in regulated natural monopolies.
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The Role of Regional Knowledge Sources for Innovation – An Empirical Assessment
Michael Fritsch, Viktor Slavtchev
Freiberg Working Papers, Nr. 15-2005,
No. 15,
2005
Abstract
We investigate the contribution of different inputs, particularly different knowledge sources, on regional patenting output in the framework of a knowledge production function. The knowledge sources included are R&D employment, size of public research institutions by field of research (budget), amount of university external research funds from private firms, public departments, German Science Foundation (DFG), and from other sources. The contribution of these knowledge sources is tested systematically on the level of German districts (Kreise) by including the respective information for the particular region and for adjacent regions. One main finding is that the quality of the university research makes some contribution to regional innovation while the mere size of the universities is unimportant. Differences in the effect on innovative output can be found according to academic disciplines and type of university.
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Neuere Anwendungsfelder der Input-Output-Analyse – Tagungsband – Beiträge zum Halleschen Input-Output-Workshop 2004
Udo Ludwig
IWH-Sonderhefte,
No. 3,
2004
Abstract
Der Band umfasst die aktualisierte Fassung aller Vorträge, die auf dem zweiten Input-Output-Workshop am Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung Halle gehalten worden sind.
Der erste Teil erstreckt sich auf neue Arbeiten zu gesamtwirtschaftlichen Input-Output-Tabellen. Hier wird der Stand der Forschungen zur nachträglichen Berechnung einer Input-Output-Tabelle für das Deutsche Reich im Jahr 1936 berichtet. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit gilt der Bereinigung der zeitgenössischen Fachstatistiken um militärpolitische Einflüsse. Außerdem werden die Fortschritte der sozioökonomischen Input-Output-Rechnung präsentiert. Das Augenmerk richtet sich auf die Zeitverwendung verschiedener Altersklassen und die Ungleichgewichte zwischen geleisteter und empfangener Zeit.
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A Monetary Vector Error Correction Model of the Euro Area and Implications for Monetary Policy
Oliver Holtemöller
Empirical Economics,
No. 3,
2004
Abstract
In this paper, a vector error correction model for Euro area money, prices, output, long-term interest rate and short-term interest rate with three identified cointegration relations is specified. It is shown that Euro area money and prices can be considered as variables that are integrated of order two or I(2), that is, they have to be differenced twice to become stationary. Accordingly, the relation between money, prices and other macroeconomic variables is analyzed in an econometric framework which is suited for the analysis of I(2)-variables. Monetary policy implications are derived from the estimated system.
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New fields of application for the input-output analysis in Germany - Contributions to the Input-Output Workshop 2002 in Halle
IWH-Sonderhefte,
No. 4,
2003
Abstract
Centrepiece of the discussion is the employment-orientated evaluation of large scale Investments. The analysis is based on the static open Input-Output-Model. For both, industrial as well as construction projects, the direct and indirect employment effects at the construction as well as the utilization stage are being estimated and combined with the multiplier effect caused by the created income. Finally, the discussion concludes by evaluating the employment effects of the necessary reconstruction efforts after the flood in summer 2002.
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Regional Differentiation in East Germany: The Economic Situation of East German Districts at the Border to Lower Saxony
Rupert Kawka, Martin T. W. Rosenfeld
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 1,
2003
Abstract
The article deals with the question whether the counties in Sachsen-Anhalt being located along the border to Niedersachsen benefit from the vicinity to an economically stronger state so that regional development is better there than in other parts of Sachsen-Anhalt. It is shown that despite certain weaknesses concerning input factors, the output indicators show better results than the state´s average. Furthermore, the article focusses on the strong East-West commuter flows and on the preference of companies from Niedersachsen to invest in this region.
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The flood disaster and GDP in Germany
Udo Ludwig, Hans-Ulrich Brautzsch
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 12,
2002
Abstract
The flood at Elbe, Danube and their tributary streams destroyed billion Euros worth of Capital Stock. GDP, though, does not include Capital Stock, but production. On the basis of plausible assumptions the production interruptions caused by the flood are estimated for Germany and the most severely affected areas of Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Considering the “set-aside” funds for restoration and with the help of the Input-Output-Model the direct effects on production and employment within the different economic sectors are being calculated. The results are compared with the foregone consumption due to the delayed next step of the tax reform. On balance clear effects can be observed in construction.
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