This paper aims to provide understanding of the relative trade performances and technological competitiveness, with particular emphasis on product quality, innovation and skills. The firm-level case studies support the conclusions arising from the aggregate analysis. Germany spends more on...

The Ricardian model is often considered of limited use and scope for the explanation of trade flows, as it cannot account for various important aspects of real world trade such as innovation goods or intra-industry trade. This is basically due to the fact that the Ricardian model is usually...