Germany is one of the most knowledge-intensive and innovative countries on Earth. In this study we focus on the innovative performance of its sixteen federal states with reference to eight indicators. The most innovative states lie in the south, while the east trails in terms of absolute levels. However, interdisciplinarity and regional industrial diversity cushion negative effects of structural change on the regions and offer alternative sources of sustained economic growth. Looking at the dynamic of innovation it is apparent that the states in the east of Germany – spearheaded by Saxony – are on the right course.
Deutschland zählt zu den wissensintensivsten und innovationsstärksten Ländern der Erde. In der vorliegenden Studie fokussieren wir anhand von acht Indikatoren die Innovationskraft der sechzehn deutschen Bundesländer. Die innovativsten Bundesländer liegen im Süden, während der Osten in der Niveaubetrachtung hinterher hinkt. Interdisziplinarität und regionale Branchenvielfalt mildern jedoch negative Auswirkungen des Strukturwandels auf die Regionen und bieten alternative Quellen für anhaltendes Wirtschaftswachstum. Die Dynamikbetrachtung zeigt, dass sich die östlichen Bundesländer – allen voran Sachsen – auf dem richtigen Weg befinden.
Tele-medicine can be more efficient than traditional methods of treatment. The technology provides users with greater comfort and convenience. “Long-distance therapy” can often make doctor’s visits or hospital stays unnecessary and allow drug treatment to be adjusted more quickly to the patient’s condition. One obstacle to its nationwide use in Germany is the fragmentation of the tele-medicine market. In addition, many doctors are sceptical because they believe tele-medicine poses a threat to exercising their duty of care towards the patient. In the coming years, however, there will probably be a shift in the status quo in favour of telemedicine. All in all, tele-medicine turnover in Europe will probably grow by an average of 10% p.a. between 2006 and 2020, whereas health expenditure will rise only half as fast.
Fully-funded retirement pension systems have withstood the stress test of the financial and economic crisis better than many doom-mongers were still prophesying at the beginning of 2009. Recent experiences do not therefore argue against building up retirement assets. Modern pension provision requires an element of variety in private retirement products to suit people’s diverse needs. With occupational pension schemes, in the aftermath of the crisis the international trend away from comprehensive defined-benefit pension plans and towards defined-contribution schemes is likely to be accentuated. Savers must assume more personal responsibility for their retirement provision. Against this backdrop it is important to achieve a sustained improvement in people’s financial literacy.
