Wie es bei volkswirtschaftlichen Betrachtungen nahe liegt, beginnt dieser Beitrag mit grundsätzlichen Überlegungen. Ich werde zunächst die prinzipielle Frage behandeln, wie aus ökonomischer Sicht die Tätigkeit des Staates in einer Marktwirtschaft zu beurteilen ist, und ich folge dabei einem...

We study the optimal tax system in a dynamic model where differences in wages induce differences in inheritances, and the transition from parent ability to child ability is described by a Markov chain. We characterize expected inheritances in the steady state and show that the Atkinson-Stiglitz...

This paper investigates the effect of adverse selection on the private annuity market in a model with two periods of retirement and two types of individuals, who differ in their life expectancy. In order to introduce the existence of time-limited pension insurance, we consider a model where for...

We study the optimal tax system in a dynamic model where di¤erences in wages induce di¤erences in inheritances, and the transition from parent ability to child ability is described by a Markov chain. In accordance with empirical evidence, we assume that in any generation more able...

This paper studies the impact of income inequality on the level of innovative activities in a model where innovations result in quality improvements. The market for quality goods is characterized by a natural oligopoly with three types of consumers - rich, middle class and poor. In general, we...