Taking eleven countries in Europe, Canada, South Africa, America, Latin America and Australia, this book discusses recurring barriers to cluster development in the renewable energy sector. The authors look at the real-world dynamics and tensions between stakeholders on the ground, with a...

This book analyzes the wrapping and packaging machinery sector in the Emilia/Bologna district in Italy and compares the most recent trends with those in the industry in Schwäbisch Hall and Waiblingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, which represents a direct rival. In a detailed and original...

The past decade has been a time of drastic developments, both in financial markets and in related academic research. Among the most striking developments are the expanded stockholder base, the increased popularity of mutual funds among households, and the growing importance of private pension...

International Insurance Markets: Between Global Dynamics and Local Contingencies—An Introduction -- The United States Insurance Market: Characteristics and Trends -- The Japanese Insurance Market and Companies: Recent Trends -- The UK Insurance Industry—Structure and Performance -- The...

Taxes on the highly skilled are an important cost factor for companies competing internationally for talent. This book provides an international comparison of the effective level of taxes and social security charges imposed on highly qualified employees. Based on a newly developed inter-temporal...

Discussing the economics of entrepreneurship, this book views that it should establish a framework of analysis that integrates the understanding of the determinants and the effects of entrepreneurship and innovation without neglecting the functioning of the inducement mechanisms. For this...

This book examines the everyday-life patterns of young adults under circumstances of vulnerability and precariousness. Its main focus is on the web of social relations that structure the everyday life of young people, for instance by providing resources and tools of solving problems, exerting...

In light of demographic change and the growing problems of traditional old-age security systems, this book discusses two essential instruments in connection with privately providing for old-age security: (1) savings in private pension schemes and (2) building up equity for home-ownership....

This book explores the role of national fiscal policies in a selected group of Euro-area countries under the European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). In particular, the authors characterize the response of output to fiscal consolidations and expansions in the small Euro-area open economies...