bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Täter-Opfer-Ausgleich
Authors: Bleckmann Frank , Tränkle Stefanie
Published: May 2016

Aus der Analyse der sozialen Geltungsbedingungen von Normen in funktional differenzierten Gesellschaften lassen sich hinsichtlich des Täter-Opfer-Ausgleichs (TOA) Probleme ableiten, die sich empirisch in der entsprechenden TOA-Interaktion aufweisen lassen und Bedeutung für eine Bewertung der Plausibilität der in der Literatur behaupteten funktionalen Äquivalent wie der Verfahrens- und sanktionsmäßigen Alternativität des TOA haben. Die gesellschaftsstrukturellen Vorgaben für eine funktionierende Normgeneralisierung in funktional differenzierten Gesellschaften sind durch den TOA nicht handhabbar (Vollpositivierung der Rechtsordnung, professionelle Richtsdurchsetzungsstäbe, Kontingent der Sanktionierung). Außerdem muss der TOA im Strafrecht angesiedelt sein, um dessen Funktion erfüllen zu können. Dann ist er aber nichts als eine weitere Form strafrechtlicher Sanktionierung und in keiner Weise ein Paradigmenwechsel. Der Täter wird mit dem TOA vor allem als Ressource der Normbestätigung entdeckt, der durch seine Selbstnormierung die menschlichen und ökonomischen Kosten einer Fremdsanktionierung vermindern kann. So hat der TOA zwar einen Platz im institutionellen Reaktionsinstrumentarium des Strafrechts, lässt sich aber lediglich als marginale Ergänzung begründen, wobei insbesondere eine moralisch positive Konnotation und der Anspruch von Autonomie und Freiwilligkeit zweifelhaft sind.
“Politik- oder Unternehmerversagen?” Einige ordnungspolitische Anmerkungen zu Energie und Stahl
Authors: Kriwet Heinz
Published: May 2016

The paper discusses whether recent developments in the coal and steel sector are due to state failure or to failure by entrepreneurs. Regarding the steel sector, it is argued that massive subsidies granted by various European states have caused the problem of over capacity the sector faces today. State failure is therefore the main reason for the current problems in this sector. As to the coal sector, its production in Germany would have ceased to exist for many years without public subsidies. Usually, regional and social arguments are put forward in favour of such subsidies. However, both arguments are rather weak since the aims of such policies could be realised much cheaper by other instruments. The paper concludes with stating that the characteristics of a market economy are not applied to the coal sector and only to a small extent to the steel sector.
Ist die Tarifautonomie noch zeitgemäß?
Authors: Franz Wolfgang , Möschel Wernhard , Paqué Karl-Heinz
Published: May 2016

The economic policy forum discusses the question of whether the German system of autonomous wage bargaining is still up-to-date. Wolfgang Franz considers two aspects. First, he examines to what extend the existing unemployment rate can be reduced by wage policy. Due to certain forms of unemployment, this can be done only partly by lower real wages. In addition, he shows that it can be rational for employees as well as for employers to agree on wages which are higher than the equilibrium wage. In the second part, he considers the question of whether centralised or decentralised negotiations over wages are more likely to solve the problem of unemployment. Arguments in favour of both options can be found. The paper concludes with some suggestions to make collective agreements more flexible.

Wernhard Möschel compares the German system of autonomous wage bargaining with a cartel agreement which results in prices higher than the equilibrium price. Moreover, the globalisation of markets and new orientations in the international division of labour require more flexible solutions. However, the autonomous wage bargaining is a constitutional right which is rather unlikely to be changed. An agreement by the social partners on common measures such as setting minimum wages lower than the equilibrium wage is also not very likely. The paper thus suggests that employers may undertake unilateral actions such as restructuring their associations. This should be accompanied by specific government measures.

Karl-Heinz Paqué argues that countries with a system of autonomous wage bargaining are characterised by persisting unemployment. This characteristic is the result of both structural changes of the economy and its consequences for the market value of labour. Two mechanisms exist in order to adopt to the different market conditions: a flexibilisation of the agreed wage rate structure or a general restraint in wage bargaining. However, both mechanisms have failed so far due to the lack of willingness by the social partners. Competition by outsiders on the labour market and a political “alliance for employment” could increase employment while keeping the system of autonomous wage bargaining. The paper concludes with stating that in the near future unemployment will be unavoidable.
Nicht-kostendeckende Gerichtsgebühren
Authors: Wein Thomas
Published: May 2016

In Germany, the level of court fees is not cost-covering. Analyzing several welfare arguments to justify not cost-covering fees, only one aspect is conclusive. The benefit of judgments are not only private but also public (positive externality of litigation). It is due to the supreme courts to fill legal loopholes. Therefore, not cost-covering fees are justified in the case of supreme courts. By analyzing not cost-covering fees with the instruments of public choice theory, one can find more plausible reasons: the interest group of lawyers profits from not cost covering fees because the demand for lawyer services increases. Politicians collect their votes without loosing other votes; bureaucrats in the courts have an advantage by increasing their staff. Therefore, in order to reform the current situation, it is necessary to alter the restrictions of these self interested actors.
Eine “fünfte Freiheit” für Europa: Stärkung des politischen Wettbewerbs durch “FOCJ”
Authors: Eichenberger Reiner
Published: May 2016

Competition and open markets are the battle-songs of the EU. While they gave birth to the four economic freedoms, political competition has been neglected. Thus, a future European constitution should strengthen political competition by guaranteeing a fifth freedom: Citizens and communities are allowed to found Functional, Over-lapping and Competing Jurisdictions. These FOCJ build on Modern Political Economics. However, similar institutions have existed in European history, and are successful today in the form of U.S. special districts and Swiss functional, democratic and overlapping communities. FOCJ prove to be welfare-increasing, and the counter-arguments not to be valid.
Der neue GATT-Subventionskodex
Authors: Conrad Christian A.
Published: May 2016

The new Subsidies Code from the Uruguay Round of the GATT includes several improvements. For the first time the various forms of subsidies have been classified, and the respective allowable retaliation measures have been defined. A noteworthy advancement is the ban on subsidies which significantly disadvantage other countries, as well as the reversal of the burden of proof, now the responsibility of the subsidizing country. The dispute settlement procedures were also markedly improved. Sanctions may now be carried out against the will of the disadvantaged party. The main deficiency of international subsidy supervision remains, however, the inability of the GATT-panels to invoke sanctions of their own. Rather they can only empower countries which are injured by such subsidies to invoke retaliation measures themselves. It is therefore questionable on the one hand, if the available methods of retribution - in spite of the newly allowed cross-retaliation - are satisfactory, and on the other hand, if the governments of the affected countries are willing to risk foreign policy conflicts. For this reason the disadvantaged states will still prefer the anti-subsidy investigations to the panel- complaints. Another no less important reason for this preference is that these investigations are subject to national legislation and can therefore be influenced by the state invoking it. Even after the Uruguay Round, national authorities have sufficient opportunity to disadvantage foreign producers within anti-subsidy investigations. Consequently an international competition institution with its own sanction capabilities is still lacking. Such an institution would be better suited to guarantee “fair competition conditions” than the national anti-subsidy investigations under supervision of the WTO.
Gedanken zur Deregulierung des deutschen Apothekenwesens
Authors: Schöffski Oliver
Published: May 2016

The German retail pharmacy trade is one of the most highly regulated within the German economy. For example, retail prices and the profit margins of pharmacies are fixed by law. Only pharmacists are allowed to own retail pharmacies, and each pharmacist may own only one retail pharmacy (i.e. there are no chain pharmacies in Germany). Retail pharmacies are only allowed to sell certain goods and services, whilst on the other hand only pharmacies are authorized to sell drugs (with some exceptions). This means that more than 90 per sent of their turnover is protected from the general retailing companies. There are many reasons for this extensive regulation: to guarantee the provision of drugs for the population, to reduce the abuse of medication and to protect the consumer against excessive drug prices, amongst others. However, these reasons need to be examined closely. The extent of regulation has grown over the last 750 years, and it is highly probable that these regulations no longer reflect the requirements of a modern health care system. Therefore, current regulations for retail pharmacies in Germany are being analysed and a proposal for far-reaching deregulation is to be presented. The implementation of these deregulation measures would lead to the more efficient provision of drugs.
Entwicklung einer Finanzkonzeption der Europäischen Union im Hinblick auf eine Aufnahme von mittel- und osteuropäischen Staaten
Authors: Mallossek Jörg
Published: May 2016

In this article a new financing of the EU-budget will be presented. It also takes into account an enlargement of the EU with CEECs. The autor advocates full membership for new members of the EU except for free movement of people. It is also argued that over the medium term, a reform of the CAP will widely reduce expenditures and that the structural policy must be reformed. EU-budget financing is additionally effected by contributions of the members: VAT-payments and GDP-payments. Moreover, there are no EU-taxes or EU-credits allowed. In future, a new revenue of the EU will be ECB profits.
Brauchen wir eine neue Weltwährungsordnung?
Authors: Ohr Renate , Issing Otmar , Thießen Friedrich
Published: May 2016

The economic policy forum discusses the question of whether we need a new international monetary system. Renate Ohr argues that various interventionist policy measures such as fixed exchange rates or a tobin-tax are inappropriate in order to avoid high volatility. Instead of a new international monetary system, a co-operative system which is flexible enough to react to disturbances and unequal developments is proposed by the author. This includes a better information basis about national economic policy goals and strategies. The existing “non-system” allows for sufficient flexibility to adjust to changing economic conditions. The role of the IMF should be strengthened by intensifying its function of surveillance and using it more as a forum for international co-operation.

Otmar Issing goes even further than Ohr by rejecting any change to the existing international monetary system. He claims that flexible exchange rates neither had a negative impact on international trade nor on inflation. Furthermore he fears that a reform would result in the adoption of instruments reducing the elasticity of the system and its scope for adjustment. If politicians still demand political action, they should start with disciplining their national policies. In particular, the author suggests that they adopt a more steady monetary policy.

Friedrich Thießen claims that national emotions prevent states from standardising different monetary areas within bi- or multilateral systems. Therefore he suggests a supranational monetary policy which makes it easier for states to give up sovereignty. Such a policy should include the following elements: neutrality towards nationally oriented economic policies, locational neutrality, innovative neutrality, hedge neutrality and profit neutrality. An international body such as the International Monetary Fund should be in charge of the monetary policy.
“Euro”-Währungsblöcke als Alternative zur europäischen Einheitswährung
Authors: Rübel Gerhard
Published: May 2016

Due to both several criteria for participating in a European Monetary Union and a fixed schedule the process of monetary integration in Europe is stuck in a dilemma. Watering down these conditions would cause problems concerning both stability and acceptance, whereas giving up the time schedule could postpone the project of a European Monetary Union into the unknown future. However, if the monetary union only starts with a few countries, a multi class society will be the result. Due to several reasons this raises the danger of division and of the end of the whole process of European integration. As a solution to this dilemma a parallel integration into currency blocs is proposed. With an optimal number of these “Euro”-blocs it would be possible to benefit from monetary integration without having to give up the stabilizing effects of different currencies.
Großbritannien – ein europäischer Spielverderber? Das britische Opting-Out aus ökonomischer Sicht
Authors: Nölling Philip
Published: May 2016

With the beginning of EMU there will be only one monetary policy with a single short term interest rate. In order for common monetary policy to be successful EMU member states have to react similarly to monetary signals from the European Central Bank (ECB). Because of its unique sensitivity to short term interest rates, this would not be the case for the UK. If, for example, the ECB would raise the short term interest rates by an amount which is appropriate for countries like France and Germany, the UK might sink into recession. This shows that besides political reasons there is also an economic reason for the UK’s opting-out from EMU.
Entwicklungsoffene versus strukturkonservierende Wirtschaftspolitik - Das empirische Beispiel zweier konträrer Politikkonzeptionen
Authors: Koch Lambert T.
Published: May 2016

This contribution analyses the economic characteristics of the South Korean and the Brazilian economies and attributes them to two fundamentally opposed orientations. South Korea’s economic policy can be described as “open to evolutionary processes”. This refers to the combination of a liberal economic framework with state efforts to continually adapt the economic structures to constantly changing external conditions. Brazilian policy, in contrast, is an example of the “structure-preserving” concept. Powerful rent-seeking groups delay the necessary institutional reforms which could create confidence among potential investors. Evidently, the superior performance of an “evolutionary” approach follows from its focus on competitive flexibility in a continually changing economy.
Wege aus der Arbeitslosenfalle – ein Vergleich alternativer Lösungskonzepte
Authors: Jerger Jürgen , Spermann Alexander
Published: May 2016

Recipients of public assistance and unemployment benefits face an effective marginal tax rate of (almost) 100%, since these payments decline in a ratio of one by one when own income is earned. The metaphor of an “unemployment trap” describes this labour supply disincentive quite accurately. A negative income tax could overcome this problem, but is considered to be too expensive and to entail some flaws from an allocative point of view. Starting from this critique, we propose a “Targeted Negative Income Tax”, which basically confines the negative income tax to the group of the long-term unemployed. This targeting ensures that the incentives are given to those who need them most, and avoids the massive fiscal burden associated with a general introduction of a negative income tax. The fiscal burden may even be reduced with each long-term unemployed person who is drawn back into the labour market. In this paper, we compare this proposal to some alternative measures created to provide work incentives such as the “Family Credit” and the “Earned Income Tax Credit” introduced in the UK and the US, respectively.
Neue verfassungsrechtliche Vorgaben für die Steuerpolitik – Ordnungspolitische Einordnung und wirtschaftspolitische Relevanz
Authors: Eekhoff Johann , Wehmeier Axel
Published: May 2016

The article discusses recent judgements of the German Federal Constitutional Court concerning the German tax system. In a landmark decision from June 26, 1995, the judges not only ruled the former German wealth and inheritage unconstitutionally, but also put forward general rules to prevent excessive taxation. Though this ruling constitutes a further market orientation of the constitutional law, several inconsistencies are criticized by the authors from an economic point of view. However, policy makers have to accept the judgements as new restrictions on tax policy. Regarding the discussion about a German tax reform some of the current proposals appear to be unconstitutional. In order to avoid such conflicts with the law the authors advocate a consumption based tax.
Zur Politischen Ökonomie der Arbeitslosigkeit: Mancur Olson versus Insider-Outsider-Theorie
Authors: Belke Ansgar
Published: May 2016

In explaining persistently high unemployment, Mancur Olson’s logic of collective action and the insider-outsider approach both focus on simular incentive structures of pressure groups. This contribution examines the astonishingly rarely tested hypothesis that both approaches are compatible to be integrated in a broader and widely acceptable basis for overdue labour market reforms. Moreover, a straightforward political economy of reforms is derived from this synthesis. However, a deeper comparison reveals that both models also share a great weakness. They clearly do not incorporate interests common to insiders and outsiders and self-correcting mechanisms in the wake of steadily growing costs of unemployment.
Äquivalenzprinzip und Finanzpolitik: Ein Besteuerungsprinzip (erneut) auf dem Prüfstand
Authors: Hansjürgens Bernd
Published: May 2016

The article analyses the potential role of the benefit principle in public finance. Against the background that the benefit principle plays a minor part both in the theory and in the politics of public finance, first the advantages of this principle are traced out. By bringing together both sides of the budget the benefit principle leads to a stronger cost-benefit orientation in the citizen’s preferences and serves as an instrument to curb Leviathan. Given these advantages the arguments against the application of the benefit principle are critically (re)analysed and potential fields of a stronger application are developed. The analysis ends with the design of elements of a “constitutional pact” in order to strengthen the role of the benefit principle in public policy.
Einige Anmerkungen zur Wahl der Reservewährung eines Currency Boards
Authors: Freytag Andreas
Published: May 2016

Currency Boards generally are likely to help with introducing credibility and stability if they are organised in a manner to minimise risks. One important aspect is the choice of an appropriate reserve currency. There are two conditions for a currency to be an adequate reserve medium: it should be a hard currency and it should shelter the pegged country from real shocks inside and outside the currency area. A shelter from real shocks can be provided for, if three criteria are met: first, other countries which firms compete with firms from the country that introduces the board should also be pegged to the reserve currency. Second, the structure of production should differ significantly from the reserve country. Third, a high share of foreign trade should take place with the reserve country. Empirical evidence of two countries that recently introduced currency boards, namely Estonia and Lithuania, indicates the relevance of this analysis for the choice of a reserve currency.
Lohnzurückhaltung, Wechselkurs und Beschäftigung - unter besonderer Berücksichtigung des Kapitalmarktes und der Handelsstruktur
Authors: Maaß Henrich , Seil Friedrich L.
Published: May 2016

In this paper, a critical comparison is made of the arguments within the controversy over the effects of “wage restraint”. The arguments are discussed in the framework of a portfolio theoretical macroeconomic model. Thus, not only is the market for real capital considered, but the importance of intra- vs. interindustrial trade for the results is established. In principle, the optimistic predictions of the German Council of Economic Experts (“Sachverständigenrat”) are confirmed, although they have been generalized and linked to certain preconditions. Finally, there is a supplementary finding: Tobin’s q seems to be more than a match for all the other propositions (such as, “the ability to sell”, the real exchange rate on the basis of unit labour costs, etc.) as an indicator of the competitiveness of national economies.
Die EWU - Beschäftigungsmotor oder Beschäftigungsrisiko?
Authors: Dohse Dirk , Krieger-Boden Christiane , Soltwedel Rüdiger
Published: May 2016

The current paper deals with the labour market effects of European Monetary Union (EMU). We compare the EU-memberstates’ susceptibility to asymmetric shocks and their labour market flexibility under status quo conditions. The findings are related to the question which countries are - from a labour market point of view - fit for EMU and which countries should not join EMU from the start.

We then consider different policy scenarios and develop an institutional framework suitable to make EMU a labour market success. Special emphasis is given to the optimal interplay between the relevant agents, i.e. the EU-Commission, national governments, employers and trade unions.
Das Europäische System der Zentralbanken - ein Modell für ein Europäisches Kartellamt?
Authors: Duijm Bernhard
Published: May 2016

For a few years, especially German authorities have shown dissatisfaction over the enforcement of European competition policy, particularly the application of the Merger Regulation. German politicians and above all the President of the Bundeskartellamt (German Cartel Office) propose an independent European competition agency. This article asks whether the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) can be a model for an independent agency consisting of a European Cartel Office (ECO) and national cartel offices. This structure would make it easier to apply the principle of subsidiarity to European competition policy. Because of the differences between monetary and competition policy, it is necessary to modify the regulations concerning the ESCB before adopting them to competition policy.
Politische und Institutionelle Determinanten der Staatsverschuldung
Authors: Wagschal Uwe
Published: May 2016

Determinants of public debt and deficits are nowadays considered as central issues of economic and financial policy. Concerning a decreasing capacity to act due to financial restrictions the consequences for governments can be serious. The main research question is: which political and institutional factors are responsible for increasing debt and deficits and which factors rather tend to confine them. Starting with a discussion of theories related to public debt, the paper than examines possible determinants. The focus is on certain institutions such as elections, strong governments, central bank independence or direct democracy. Furthermore, the role of parties and the complexion of governments is analysed. In the centre of interest are western industrialised nations, which are members of the OECD.
Das Gerechtigkeitsproblem in der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft
Authors: Weizsäcker C. Christian von
Published: May 2016

A “Social Market Economy” in the spirit of Ludwig Erhard is quite different from the present day economy which I call the Status Quo Economy. The Social Market Economy is substantially more deregulated, has a much smaller social security system, and a higher rate of innovation. It is argued that a transition to a “Social Market Economy” could raise the income of all income strata. Therefore using the Rawls criterion of justice, the Social Market Economy is more just than the Status Quo Economy, even though inequality is likely to be larger.
Beschäftigungswirkungen von Auslandsinvestitionen: das Beispiel Japan
Authors: Legewie Jochen
Published: May 2016

This article offers an analysis of the domestic employment effects of foreign direct investment (FDI) for Japan between 1991 and 1996. After reviewing the current discussion in and outside Japan, the direct effects of Japanese overseas investment on trade, domestic production and employment are presented and discussed, based on detailed data provided by the MITI. The results show that Japanese FDI had strong positive effects on domestic production and employment by stimulating exports of capital goods nearly equaling negative effects by export displacement and rising imports. Taking into account indirect effects as well as the fact that most FDI does not really substitute exports but takes place only as an outcome of import barriers and a regional shift of location advantages, it is argued that Japanese FDI had a clear positive overall effect on domestic employment so far. The low degree of production abroad by international standards even implies a special need for the Japanese industry to further accelerate the shift of production activities abroad to accelerate structural changes at home that ensure a high level of employment and wages in the long run.
Handels- und industriepolitische Eingriffe in die europäische Filmwirtschaft: Eine ökonomische Analyse
Authors: Fredebeul-Krein Markus
Published: May 2016

The American dominance in the European film industry has been common for many years. As a response, Europeans have implemented various protectionist measures. By analysing these measures from an economic point of view it is shown that there is no case for government intervention in the audiovisual industry. On the contrary, national and regional subsidisation as well as national quotas are one of the main reasons for the low competitiveness of the European film industry. The direction to go is therefore to remove these protectionist instruments. Thereby the European film industry might become more competitive, although Americans will continue to dominate the European film market. However, this is rather positive, since both consumers and tax payers benefit from a deregulated European film market.
Globale Finanzmärkte, Währungskrisen und aufstrebende Volkswirtschaften
Authors: Dönges Juergen B.
Published: May 2016

Recent international financial crises in emerging markets have impressively made clear that there is still a lack of knowledge about the causes and consequences of financial turmoil. In particular, questions of why crises emerge, how they are transmitted, how they can be predicted and prevented and how they can be managed once they have occurred, are not adequately answered. Both research in economics and economic policy now focus on all aspects of international financial crises. This paper first provides an overview about the state of economic theory explaining financial and monetary crises. The theoretical survey is followed by a discussion of the appropriate economic policy reaction. This discussion includes the role of international organisations, exchange rate policy, costs and benefits of capital controls as well as the need for a prudential banking regulation.
Ordnungspolitische Beurteilung von Zertifikatesystemen in der Umweltpolitik - Am Beispiel des Acid Rain- und des RECLAIM-Programms
Authors: Fromm Oliver
Published: May 2016

The evaluation of tradeable permit systems concerning their conformity with the market economy is debated controversially. The Acid Rain- and the RECLAIM-Program for the first time offer the opportunity to analyse existing, implemented tradeable permit systems for their market conformity. For that purpose both programs are systematically compared to an instrument, that may be considered as an ideal of market conformity, the Coase theorem. The comparison shows that the evaluation of the market conformity of tradeable permit systems depends on the one hand on different pre-analytic views of environmental problems and on the other hand on the concrete institutional design of the instrument in praxis. Concluding, the Acid Rain- and the RECLAIM-Program are characterized by a high conformity with the criteria that constitute the proper shaping of the market system.
Probleme des Länderfinanzausgleichs aus institutionenökonomischer Sicht
Authors: Döring Thomas
Published: May 2016

Since the fiscal equalization system among states in Germany was repeatedly the subject of controversial political discussions, there exist many proposals in economics for far-reaching reforms. However, these proposals are deficient because they do not take into account the necessity of political consensus as well as the fact of path dependencies of institutional change. The paper is aiming at a better foundation of scientific advice by “reconstructing” the actor’s incentives in terms of collective dilemmata. This institutional economics approach explains, with respect to the fiscal equalization system among the German states, which type of proposal has greater chances to be politically adopted.
Zur Notwendigkeit einer anreizorientierten Gesundheitspolitik
Authors: Sauerland Dirk
Published: May 2016

The German health care sector provides a good example for the negative effects of a substitution of potential market failure by real state failure. Generally, buyers and sellers should be allowed to determine the appropriate level and mix of resources that will be channeled into the health sector. The only way to assure that the system provides an efficient allocation is to have well-designed, structural incentives for each party involved in the health care sector. From this perspective, the article identifies the incentives for patients, the providers of medical treatment and for the financing insurance plans as the mere source for inefficiencies. These incentives result from a lack of equivalence and a lack of competition within the German health care sector. They can therefore be related to inadequately designed framework legislation. The article outlines proposals for an improved design of the economic incentives for patients, providers, and insurers in Germany.
Lohnfortzahlung und Krankenstand
Authors: Boss Alfred
Published: May 2016

Sickness benefit income reduces an employee’s opportunity costs of absence from work. In the Federal Republic of Germany the institutional arrangement was changed several times during the 1951-1999 period. This paper investigates the effects on sick leave behavior. According to the empirical analysis, moral hazard is a serious problem in Germany. The paper discusses some institutional changes (including compulsory private insurance for the employed) which probably would reduce moral hazard significantly.
Risk Aversion and Unemployment in an Open Economy
Authors: Weiß Pia
Published: May 2016

The paper analyses the impact which risk aversion has on a small open economy characterised by search frictions on the labour market. It is shown that the long-run qualitative effects caused by a terms-of-trade shock are independent of individual risk behaviour. As far as quantitative aspects are concerned risk aversion always leads to higher equilibrium employment; however the increase in unemployment due to a price shock is the higher the more risk-averse individuals are.
Was ist wirklich neu an der “New Economy”?
Authors: Hüther Michael , Szyperski Norbert , Freytag Andreas
Published: May 2016

This economic policy forum is assigned to the question “What is really new about the New Economy”? Michael Wither argues that the truly novel element of the New economy is the close interaction of three aspects: structural change, innovation and economic policy. This new facet adds to the increasing improvement of economic performance, accompanied by levelled inflation rates. The current process can be observed especially in the US. The author demonstrates that the revolution of information technology is a necessary explanation for the phenomenon “New Economy”, which however does not deal with all the relevant aspects. Furthermore, Hüther refers to the coherences between technological change and reduced volatility of macro-economic indicators in the US. He then states that an appropriate economic policy, in particular a monetary policy, is needed to describe the outstanding economic performance associated with the New Economy.

Norbert Szyperski shows in his article that the New Economy is basically the consequence of the revolution of information technology. The main effect of the latter is the infrastructural change taking place in three areas: transport, finance and information. According to the author, this new infrastructure is accessible for everyone and induces new products and services. Due to this change, the IT revolution also affects competition. Hence, the author concludes that there really is a new aspect to the New Economy.

In his contribution, Andreas Freytag starts by discussing the elements of the New Economy. In particular, the Information Technology (IT) sector is new and possesses the potential of having positive effects on economic growth. However the author argues that there is more to the New Economy than merely the IT sector. To concentrate economic policy on fostering IT could inflict the danger of creating structural problems for the future. Thus, the New Economy seems to be a macro-economic phenomenon: the economy is growing rapidly with small fluctuation and low inflation. Furthermore, Freytag demonstrates that although the elements of the New Economy are novel, the policy implications are not. To be able to implement it in Germany, old policies, as e.g. deregulation, opening markets, etc. are called for - the exact measures which ensured the prosperity of the Old Economy.
Arbeitsplätze durch Arbeitsmarktöffnung – Reflexionen zur aktuellen beschäftigungspolitischen Debatte –
Authors: Dönges Juergen B.
Published: May 2016

The high level of structural unemployment has been for many years the most serious economic problem in Germany. It is argued that this problem can be traced to two persistent distortions: One refers to misconcieved collective wage agreements, which do not provide an adequately differentiated wage structure according to workforce qualifications and to sectoral and regional characteristics; the other cause is a lack of flexibility on the labour market as a result of overregulation. The German labour market does not function with the elasticity required to cope with the challenges of globalization and technical progress. There is an urgent need to reform the institutional framework of the labour market. Various proposals are made in this paper. They address both the wage negotiators and the legislator. However, at present the Federal Government is taking initiatives of regulatory policy which may further deepen rigidities on the labour market and thus make a sustained increase in employment more difficult to achieve.
Braucht die Europäische Union ein neues Finanzsystem?
Authors: Fehr Hans , Huber Bernd , Kuhn Thomas
Published: May 2016

This economic policy forum is assigned to the question “Does the European Union need a new financial order?” Hans Fehr considers the recent development of the budget of the EU and discusses a number of reform options for the future. He shows that during the 90ies there has been considerable success in consolidating the budget and reforming its structure. The future challenge will be twofold. On one side the UK correction has to be further reduced and finally eliminated, since there are a number of countries with similar budgetary imbalances. In addition, the intended eastern enlargement of the EU creates a stronger reform pressure for the EU expenditure programs. Fehr argues that since there will be no new financing sources available in the medium term, one can be optimistic that the EU will continue its budget consolidation strategy also in the future.

Bernd Huber analyzes the financing mechanism of the European Union. After presenting the current financing system, the paper studies the potential for reform. He remarks that in principle, the EU can be financed by contributions of member states or by taxes assigned to the EU. In a system of contributions, contributions should be imposed according to member states' GDP. In the current state of integration, the EU can only impose indirect taxes. Huber argues that a contribution system dominates EU financing via taxes.

Thomas Kuhn studies the existence of schemes for fiscal equalization among regions in the EU. He focusses on designing schemes for the distribution of EU funds, which simultaneously meet allocative and redistributive objectives, given institutional constraints. Using an axiomatic approach, Kuhn finds that an allocation scheme assuring for fiscal equity and incentive compatibility does not exist. This is explained by the lack of institutions providing a link between the distribution of funds and the regional incidence of EU revenue raising, calling for a remodeling of the existing fiscal institutions of the EU. Otherwise, the potential for equalization may be restricted to a large extent, especially in the frame of the upcoming East European Enlargement of the EU.
Effizienz und Praktikabilität von Universaldienstauktionen im Bereich der Postdienstleistungen
Authors: Elsenbast Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Due to German postal law, franchising of non economic universal services is regarded as the preferred alternative for their allocation in a liberalised market. Unfortunately, there are no practical experiences of such ‘carrier of last resort (COLR) auctions’. Therefore, by the knowledge of auction theory as well as the economics of the postal sector blueprints for suitable COLR-auctions have to be designed by the regulator. In this paper a framework for an COLR-auction on the level of incidental services, mainly for the distribution of letters and parcels in rural areas, is developed. According to the most important economic criteria, allocative efficiency, avoidance of collusion and of a ‘winners curse’, and by taking account of economies of scope, mechanisms for the allocation of non economic universal services are identified. Finally, the rights for the successful bidder to interconnect with market dominating firms are characterised.
Zur Rentenproblematik: Lösungswege und Reformvorschläge. Nach der Rentenreform ist vor der Rentenreform - auch die jüngsten Maßnahmen lösen die Probleme der GRV nicht dauerhaft
Authors: Bomsdorf Eckart
Published: May 2016

Die Alterssicherungssysteme in Deutschland werden - wie in vielen anderen hoch entwickelten Ländern - in Zukunft durch die demographische Entwicklung stark belastet: Die Anzahl der Rentenempfänger steigt bei konstanter oder sogar sinkender Anzahl von Beitragszahlern. Die aktuelle Rentenreform versucht dem entgegenzusteuern. Bis zum Jahr 2010 gelingt dies, danach sind die bisher getroffenen Maßnahmen allerdings unzureichend. Eine Reihe von zusätzlichen Maßnahmen kann das System der gesetzlichen Altersvorsorge in Deutschland zukunftsfest machen. Im Zentrum stehen hierbei die Erhöhung des Rentenzugangsalters und eine Rentenformel, die die Belastung der GRV durch den demographischen Wandel genügend berücksichtigt.
Freizügigkeit für Arme in der Europäischen Union? – Wanderungsneutralität als Leitbild einer konsensfähigen Grundsicherung
Authors: Markt Jörg , Schick Gerhard
Published: May 2016

Years after the completion of the Common Market the needy and unemployed still lack the right to take residence in the EU member country they choose. The Amsterdam Treaty, however, aims at realizing an “area of freedom” for every citizen. This requires compatible systems of social aid. The article discusses possible solutions drawing on the normative framework of Constitutional Economics. The question to be answered is therefore: Which system of state aid to the needy could European citizens agree upon? We suggest a variant of the so called “differential principle” that allows for “migration neutrality” by adapting the aid level of the home country to the price level in the country of residence.
Doch keine Freizügigkeit für Arme? – Zur Notwendigkeit einer Abwägung unterschiedlicher konstitutioneller Interessen
Authors: Roth Steffen J.
Published: May 2016

In reply to Jörg Markt and Gerhard Schick in this volume, this paper argues for a different view on social assistance and migration. First, this article will present some methodological conditions for constitutional contracts. Lacking empirical testability, the method of constitutional economics particularly needs the revelation of constitutional interests before evaluating alternative rules. By testing the described alternative rules of migration in the face of potential constitutional interests, it will be shown that no rule discussed meets all targets. The reader has to be aware that Märkt/Schick decided to meet the target of free migration for welfare recipients and thereby missed some essential targets of social assistance. In this paper it is questioned, if the objective of free migration for welfare recipients is as important as it looks at first glance. It is argued that liberty as a constitutional interest can be restricted by rational constitutional voters. Behind the veil of uncertainty it might be necessary to limit the external diseconomy from free-riding welfare recipients in social assistance schemes or the external diseconomy from the poor in the utility-interdependence sense. If the reader comes to share this point of view, there is no need to harm the original constitutional interests related to social assistance.
Effiziente Versorgung, präferenzgerechte Versicherung und gerechte Lastenverteilung in der Krankenversicherung
Authors: Knappe Eckhard , Härter Stefan
Published: May 2016

The German Statutory Health Insurance System (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) has been in a continuous reform process for the past twenty years. This reform process was mostly dominated by the model of a cost-containment policy. Most health economists are not in favour of a global cost-containment policy, because it cannot solve the structural deficiencies within the system. As a result we recommend a further strategy of deregulation so that competitive processes will be enforced. This in turn will be more responsive to the preferences of the insured and patients and sets incentives for insurers and health-providers to follow efficiency goals in a static and dynamic way in order to mitigate the future burden of the demographic changes.
Daseinsvorsorge ökonomisch betrachtet
Authors: Blankart Charles B.
Published: May 2016

Services of general economic interest (such as water, electricity, gas, broadcasting, waste removal, waste disposal and bus services) are usually provided by public or semi-public institutions. Often they enjoy special privileges protecting them from open competition. The European Commission, however, who is responsible for enforcing EU competition rules, aims at integrating these services as far as possible into competitive markets. In a normative part of the paper it is analysed what regimes of competition are appropriate for which services. Then, it is shown in a positive analysis how far political entrepreneurs, in their strive to win elections, do apply these regimes. While politicians seem to approve competition rules in the very long run. They want to restrict their application in the short run in order to obtain electoral support.
Mehr Mut zur Zuwanderung. Der arbeitsmarktpolitische Teil des geplanten Zuwanderungsgesetzes verfehlt sein eigenes Ziel
Authors: Gerken Lüder , Rieble Volker , Straubhaar Thomas , Raddatz Mitwirkung von Guido
Published: May 2016

Recently, the political discussion concerning a new national immigration policy in Germany has been highly controversial, although all political forces agree that the existing legal provisions have significant deficits. In the fall of 2001, the German government presented its draft bill for a new immigration law, intending it to form the cornerstone of a broad-based political consensus. However, since then the political controversy has intensified.

This paper analyzes those provisions of the bill which are relevant for labor-market-oriented immigration. It is argued that although the bill moves in the right direction, many of its rules are still much too restrictive and are characterized by protectionist attitudes. The rigidities of the German labor market are preserved. In addition, many of the new rules leave room for unnecessary and arbitrary bureaucratic intervention or do not take the cartel-like structure of the German labor market into account. Economic necessities demand a more liberal approach to immigration into Germany, if this immigration is to benefit the labor market.
Zur Lage auf dem Arbeitsmarkt: Reformvorschläge in der Diskussion
Authors: Eekhoff Johann , Franz Wolfgang , Spermann Alexander
Published: May 2016

Johann Eekhoff deals with the employment of low skilled workers. He recommends not to subsidize recipients of social security, but to offer them unpaid jobs, so that they get a chance to render their services in return of the received social aid, to train their skills, and to improve their prospect of getting a regular job. Monetary incentives for work are not compatible with the system of social security, and they are not necessary. The main problem is not willingness to work but the denial of jobs for low skilled workers in a society with strong labor unions and restrictive regulations. Charitable employment is one way to relieve the problems of unemployed recipients of social security, to increase employment, and to reduce public spending.

In his paper Wolfgang Franz points out „The Need to more Flexibility on Labor Markets in Germany”. He determinates that an important aspect distinguishes the time pattern of unemployment in Germany from that in other countries such as the United States. After a recession unemployment rates in Germany do not decline to pre-recession levels. This raises the suspicion that ratchet effects are at work. Besides an unadequate wage policy several malfunctionings of the institutional framework of the labor market are highlighted in his paper mostly associated with labor laws such as lay-off restraints, insufficient decentralized.

Alexander Sperman is writing about the improving financial incentives by the Mainz employee subsidy model - a placebo pill for low qualified workers? He determinates that the Mainz employee subsidy model was introduced in March 2002. It implies a time-restricted, degressive employee subsidy that subsidizes a part of employee’s social insurance contributions for a maximum of three years. In his paper he points out the enormous bureaucratic effort associated with paying back social contributions. A much more simplier and cost effective measure to reach the same goal would be to reduce the burden of social insurance contributions directly rather than indirectly. But for political economic reasons the chosen procedure could be reasonable. Furthermore, the introduction of the Mainz model was premature because evaluation results of field experiments with a couple of employee subsidy models are still missing. Therefore, the Mainz model could easily be a placebo pill for the low qualified workers as well as „Red Bull” for the government in election times.