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

Contributions to Edited Volumes and Conference Proceedings // forthcoming

KI – die nächste digitale Revolution, die vor Deutschland haltmacht?

Non-Refereed Journal // forthcoming

Industriepolitik in Europa mit Wettbewerb verbinden

Current projects

Laufende Projekte

  1. Project // 01.04.2026 – 31.03.2030

    ZEW Webpanel

    In this research project, we are developing and testing the use of website information to measure innovation and technological developments. To this end, we analyze the websites of all companies and other…

  2. Project // 01.04.2026 – 31.03.2029

    Changing the Geography of Emissions and Production through Industrial Policy in Europe

    Recent years have been characterized by overlapping policy challenges: the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and resulting energy crisis and increasing geopolitical tension, as well as the escalating climate crisis.…

  3. Project // 01.04. – 31.10.2026

    Scaling Sovereign Digital Innovations – Is There a Structural Gap in Innovation Policy in Germany and the EU?

    The aim of the planned project is to examine whether there is a structural gap in Germany and Europe regarding the support for scaling sovereign digital innovations. Within the scope of the project, innovation…

  4. 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…

  5. 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…

  6. Project // 01.02.2026 – 31.12.2027

    Impact evaluations of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in Berlin during the 2021-2027 funding period

    The aim of this project is to determine the impact of the funding awarded under the Berlin ERDF program during the 2021-2027 funding period. The impact of the previous 2014-2020 funding period will also be…