Relative Attraktivität von Standorten: Eine empirische Analyse der Schweiz

This paper investigates which variables determine the relative attractiveness of locations for mobile factors of production. The analysis is based on a survey of 1400 Swiss firms. It is found that the availability of human capital as well as the nature of regulations (especially of the procedure to obtain building permits) play a major rolè. Firms attribute an intermediary importance to location-specific demand and a minor role to technological spillovers among firms when choosing a location. Conclusions for Swiss economic and regional policy are derived. For example, the effectiveness of strategic industrial policies (e.g. promotional activities, subsidies to private research) as a means to increase the relative attractiveness of locations is questioned.