Structural analysis and perspectives of Baden-Württemberg as a business location in national and international comparison

Since the financial and economic crisis, Germany, and particularly the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, have expanded their positions as an economically prosperous and innovation-oriented business location in the European Union. However, the development cannot be linearly extrapolated into the future. Risks currently exist less in short-term cyclical setbacks, but in medium-term shifts in technology and international division of labor. The traditional focus of the economy in Baden-Württemberg is faced with new challenges by new drive technologies in vehicle construction, new mobility concepts, the increased importance of industrial services in areas such as mechanical engineering and changed conditions by the energy users. Rising external risks, caused by Britain's imminent exit from the EU and a possible reorientation of US trade policy, could create additional need for adaptation.

Against this background, the study intended to provide economic background knowledge. In the first part of the study, the competitiveness of Baden-Württemberg has been analyzed using different indicators. The second part focuses on external risks. In addition, the question of foreign direct investment in Baden-Württemberg addresses a possible structural problem. Finally, the third part deals with the influence of "disruptive" technological changes. In addition, the problematic result of a diminishing innovation activity of small and medium-sized enterprises has been investigated.
Characteristic for the approach is the focus on the topics of foreign trade and technological change, the empirical foundation and the use of the potential of international research.

Report (in German)

Executive Summary (in German)