Demographic change inevitably shifts the balance between contributors and recipients in the pension system. Moreover, in the German pension system benefit levels are closely linked to the current state of economic prosperity. Therefore, in the coming decades stabilisation of old-age security...

The medium-term prospects for the German economy give little cause for optimism. In addition, demographic change will intensify in the current decade. A brightening of growth prospects can therefore only materialise with stronger investment and greater innovation momentum. However, it will...

Regional disparities are pronounced and persistent. Regional data of high quality are needed to improve the understanding of the origins and consequences of regional disparities and the effectiveness of regional policies through empirical analysis. Against the background of existing problems...