Key indicators show Germany belonging to the countries in the OECD with strong innovation activity even though some weakening in Germany’s position relative to other OECD countries has occurred recently. While the redirection of resources towards unification-related spending as well as low...

The problem of financial inclusion represents a strategic opportunity for bank innovation.The success of microfinance in providing an answer, both operationally efficient and effective depends on the specific technology of microcredit available – i.e. the set of methodologies, criteria,...

China is well-placed to avoid the so-called “middle-income trap” and to continue to converge towards the more advanced economies, even though growth is likely to slow from near double-digit rates in the first decade of this millennium to around 7% at the 2020 horizon. However, in order to...

With sound framework conditions, fine universities, good infrastructure and policies friendly towards foreign direct investment, Ireland scores high in international innovation scoreboards. Overall, policies to boost innovation and entrepreneurship are on the right track, but investment in...

The financial services turmoil and consumers change have created market fragmentation and are putting high emphasis on price. Consequently, the ability to provide products and services on a cost-effective basis may not always increase margins but also exacerbate a price competition. As a result...

This paper analyzes the methods of rating attribution of the major international agencies (Moody’s, Fitch and Standard & Poor’s) between 2005 and 2010 for a sample of Italian and European listed banks and tests empirically, through the multivariate analysis of Ols, the possible relations of...