Research at ZEW

ZEW conducts evidence-based economic policy research on a range of high-visibility topics, including the digital transformation, European integration, and the energy transition.

These are tackled by ZEW’s research units.

Current Publications

Refereed Journal // forthcoming

Do China’s Special Economic Zones Increase Incentives to Invest in R&D?

Refereed Journal // forthcoming

Did the Defend Trade Secrets Act Spur the Reliance on Trade Secrets?
Refereed Journal // forthcoming

AI-Powered Skill Classification: Mapping Technology Intensity in the German Labor Market

Current projects

Laufende Projekte

  1. Project // 01.04.2026 – 31.03.2027

    Firm Dynamics in the Knowledge Economy – Indicator Study 2027

    The aim of the project is to investigate business dynamism in Germany, with a special focus on the knowledge-intensive industries. Thereby, the study investigates and compares different sectors and federal states…

    01.04.2026 – 31.03.2027
    Economics of Innovation and Industrial...
  2. Project // 01.03. – 31.10.2026

    Innovation Indicators for Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals 2026

    The aim of this study is to update a report on key innovation indicators for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. In a concise way, the study offers an overview on the state and recent developments in…

    01.03. – 31.10.2026
    Economics of Innovation and Industrial...
  3. Project // 01.02.2026 – 31.01.2028

    BAK Taxation Index 2026/2027

    In the context of a growing international economic integration, taxation becomes a more and more central factor in the competition of regions and countries for international investment and skilled employees. From…

    01.02.2026 – 31.01.2028
    Corporate Taxation and Public Finance
  4. Project // 01.02.2026 – 30.04.2027

    Innovation Survey 2026 for Thuringia

    The aim of this research is to collect data on innovation activities of the business enterprise sector in the State of Thuringia in the years 2023 to 2025 as well as the planned innovation activities in 2026 and…

    01.02.2026 – 30.04.2027
    Economics of Innovation and Industrial...
  5. Project // 01.02.2026 – 31.01.2027

    2026 Data-Report on Innovation Behaviour of Saxony‘s Economy

    The aim of this research is to collect data on innovation activities of the business enterprise sector in the State of Saxony in the years 2023 to 2025 as well as the planned innovation activities in 2026 and…

    01.02.2026 – 31.01.2027
    Economics of Innovation and Industrial...
  6. Project // 01.01.2026 – 30.11.2027

    Free to Roam, Hard to Tax? Assessing the Tax Implications of Digital Nomad Visas in the EU

    Digitalization and the rise of remote work are increasing the mobility of workers worldwide, with far-reaching consequences for labour markets, businesses, and the allocation of taxing rights. In response to this…

    01.01.2026 – 30.11.2027
    Corporate Taxation and Public Finance