|
on Microeconomic European Issues |
| By: | Jenifer Ruiz-Valenzuela; Claudia Hupkau; Lídia Farré; Libertad González |
| Abstract: | We study the effect of paternity leave on early child development. We collect survey data on 5, 000 children under age six in Spain, and exploit several extensions of paternity leave that took place between 2017 and 2021. We follow a differences-in-discontinuities research design, based on the date of birth of each child and using cohorts born in non-reform years as controls. We show that the extensions led to significant increases in the length of leave taken by fathers, without affecting that of mothers, thus increasing parental time at home in the first year after birth. Eligibility for four additional weeks of paternity leave led to a significant 12 percentage-point increase in the fraction of children with developmental delays. We provide evidence for two potential mechanisms. First, children exposed to longer paternity leave spend less time alone with their mother, and more time with their father, during their first year of life. Second, treated children use less formal childcare. Our results suggest that paternity leave replaces higher-quality modes of early care. We conclude that the effects of parental leave policies on children depend crucially on the quality of parental versus counterfactual modes of childcare. |
| Keywords: | child development, childcare, fathers, parental leave |
| JEL: | J13 H31 |
| Date: | 2025–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bge:wpaper:1487 |
| By: | Bernhard, Sarah; Bohmann, Sandra; Fiedler, Susann; Kasy, Maximilian; Schupp, Jürgen; Schwerter, Frederik |
| Abstract: | How does basic income (a regular, unconditional, guaranteed cash transfer) impact labor supply? We show that in search models of the labor market with income effects, this impact is theoretically ambiguous: Employment and job durations might increase or decrease, match surplus might be shifted to workers or employers, and worker surplus might be reallocated between wages and job amenities. We thus turn to empirical evidence to study this impact. We conducted a pre-registered RCT in Germany, starting 2021, where recipients received 1200 Euro/month for three years. We draw on both administrative and survey data, and find no extensive margin (employment) response, and no impact on job transitions from either non-employment or employment. We do find a small statistically insignificant intensive margin shift to part-time employment, which implies an excess burden (reduction of government revenues) of ca 7.5% of the transfer. We furthermore observe a small increase of enrollment in training or education. (Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality Working Paper) |
| Date: | 2025–06–21 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:xe8zh_v1 |
| By: | Baraldi, Anna Laura; Cantabene, Claudia; de Iudicibus, Alessandro; Fosco, Giovanni; iacopo, Grassi |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the fiscal consequences of EU-funded waste management projects on local taxation in Italian municipalities. Using a difference-in-differences approach on panel data from 2007 to 2023, we find that municipalities receiving EU cohesion funds experienced a significant increase in per-capita waste taxes, driven by rising service costs. A decomposition of these costs reveals that while separate waste collection expanded — in line with sustainability goals — the associated logistical and operational expenses increased sharply. Conversely, although the vol- ume of unsorted waste declined, disposal costs rose, likely due to lower quality and more complex treatment requirements. To assess whether cost increases reflected inefficiency or technological progress, we estimate total factor productivity changes via a non-parametric Malmquist index. The results indicate substantial productivity gains in sorted waste management, mostly from technological advancement, but also suggest transitional inefficiencies. Our findings highlight the need for more integrated investment strategies to balance environmental goals with fiscal sustainability. |
| Keywords: | U Cohesion Policy, Waste Management, Local Public Finance, En- vironmental Taxation, Service Costs, Efficiency and Productivity |
| JEL: | H23 H72 Q58 R53 |
| Date: | 2025–06–27 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pra:mprapa:125150 |
| By: | Elisabeth Leduc (Erasmus University Rotterdam and Tinbergen Institute); Ilan Tojerow (Université Libre de Bruxelles) |
| Abstract: | We partner with a Public Employment Service to examine whether jobseekers can be encouraged to reskill for shortage occupations. In a large-scale field experiment involving 100, 000 recently unemployed individuals, we provide information on shortage occupations and related training opportunities. The intervention increased participation in transversal training courses by 6%, but did not boost enrolment in occupational training for shortage jobs. Jobseekers also shifted their search towards high-demand occupations, yet employment remained unchanged. These findings suggest that while low-cost informational interventions can influence job search and training behaviour, different approaches are likely needed to drive substantial reskilling among jobseekers. |
| Keywords: | Unemployment, Job Search, RCT, Occupational Training, Labour Shortages |
| JEL: | J24 J68 |
| Date: | 2025–02–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20250014 |
| By: | Yankova Dima; Abbasiharofteh Milad |
| Abstract: | European innovation policy combines place-based and spatially blind instruments that operate under distinct logics. Building synergies between them requires not only regulatory alignment, but a better understanding of how economic actors interact across policy levels. This study examines how companies’ participation in the European Framework Programmes (FP) influences their propensity to engage in regional R&D partnerships, supported by Cohesion Policy. We analyse longitudinal data on Valencian firms using inferential network analysis (i.e., Temporal Exponential Random Graph Models). Results indicate that FP beneficiaries are more active in regional tie formation than non-FP firms, especially when academic intermediaries are involved. Yet, they also tend to collaborate with each other, limiting opportunities for knowledge diffusion among firms that do not benefit from the international collaboration premium. |
| Keywords: | rR&D network, innovation policy, intermediaries, TERGM |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:egu:wpaper:2520 |
| By: | Lemos, Sara (University of Leicester) |
| Abstract: | No empirical evidence has ever been reported that the large inflow of accession immigrants – following the 2004 expansion of the European Union – led to a fall in wages or employment, or a rise in unemployment in the UK between 2004 and 2006. This immigration shock was unexpectedly larger and faster – as well as more concentrated into areas and occupations – than anticipated, seemingly more akin to an exogenous supply shock than most immigration shocks. Exploiting rich but underused individual level data from the Lifetime Labour Market Database (LLMDB) we estimate the effect of this immigration shock on wages, employment and unemployment of natives and previously existing immigrants in the UK. We confirm once again the finding of little evidence that the inflow of accession immigrants led to a fall in wages, a fall in employment, or a rise in unemployment of natives in the UK between 2004 and 2006. However, we uncover, for the first time, novel evidence of adverse employment and unemployment effects for low paid existing immigrants as a result of the accession immigration inflow. This is more severe for low paid immigrants and young low paid immigrants as well as for long term unemployed immigrants. |
| Keywords: | wages, employment, immigration, Central and Eastern Europe, UK |
| JEL: | J22 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18000 |
| By: | Mattioli, Francesco (Bocconi University); Minello, Alessandra (University of Padova); Nannicini, Tommaso (European University Institute) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates whether the characteristics of locally elected officials influenced excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data on Italy, one of the first countries to be severely affected, we examine whether mayoral education influenced municipal-level mortality outcomes. We estimate weekly excess mortality using official death statistics and a Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model. To address endogeneity in political selection, we implement a close-election Regression Discontinuity Design. We find that college-educated mayors significantly reduced mortality during the first wave of the pandemic, by lowering both the likelihood of excess deaths and the excess mortality rate. These effects are not observed in the second wave, likely due to policy convergence and a stronger role played by national and regional institutions. Our design interprets education as a proxy for broader leadership traits, such as decision-making capacity under uncertainty. The findings underscore that political selection can have real demographic consequences, shaping population outcomes during crises. |
| Keywords: | regression discontinuity design, mortality, COVID-19, political selection |
| JEL: | D72 J10 H75 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17992 |
| By: | Heriaud Bastien; Joossens Elisabeth (European Commission - JRC); Le Blanc Julia (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | "A regional resilience dashboard is a powerful tool to visualise and assess each European regionâs capabilities and vulnerabilities and guide policymakers. Modelled after the Commissionâs Resilience Dashboards, the Regional Resilience Dashboard indicates significant disparities of capacities and vulnerabilities among regions within each country.There is a strong negative correlation between capacities and vulnerabilities among regions within each country confirming that regions with heightened vulnerabilities frequently possess diminished capacities, and vice versa. Regions situated at the EU's periphery, particularly in South-Eastern Europe, exhibit lower capacity and heightened vulnerability indices while urban regions and those encompassing national capitals show higher capacities and reduced vulnerabilities. Between 2017 and 2023 vulnerabilities diminished and capacities improved slightly across all EU regions. At the same time, inequalities in resilience across regions increased." |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc141990 |
| By: | De Luca, Giacomo (University of Edinburgh); Montalbano, Andrea (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano); Stillman, Steven (Free University of Bozen/Bolzano) |
| Abstract: | We study the long-term impact of compulsory military service, a powerful nation building tool, on attitudes toward immigrants. Using a regression discontinuity design, we compare cohorts of men required to serve with those exempted due to suspension of compulsory service in 21 European countries. We find that conscripts exhibit more negative attitudes towards immigrants, whereas this is not true for women in the same birth cohorts. The impact is more pronounced in countries with high levels of immigration, and when the military service was done during a left-wing government, and hence provided a stronger change in narrative during a crucial formative period. |
| Keywords: | identity, conscription, nation building, immigration, discrimination |
| JEL: | I28 Z13 F22 D71 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18003 |
| By: | Marco Caliendo (University of Potsdam, CEPA, BSoE, IZA, DIW, IAB); Deborah A. Cobb-Clark (University of Sydney, IZA, ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course Centre); Katrin Huber (University of Potsdam, CEPA, BSoE, IZA); Harald Pfeifer (Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) Bonn, ROA at Maastricht University); Arne Uhlendorff (CREST, CNRS, IP Paris, IAB); Sophie Wagner (University of Potsdam, CEPA) |
| Abstract: | We examine how gender shapes managers’ decisions regarding on-the-job training using a discrete choice experiment embedded in a representative survey of German firms. While previous research on training has focused on employees’ demand for it, we make a contribution by studying firms’ supply of training. In our vignette study, 1, 144 managers evaluate hypothetical candidate profiles that differ by gender, age, competence, job mobility, and training characteristics. We find that women are somewhat more likely than men to receive training offers. The exceptions are that female managers are more reluctant to choose young women for training, while male managers favor male candidates for fully employer-funded training. These patterns persist across various model specifications and remain robust when controlling for observable manager characteristics. Heterogeneity analyses reveal that female managers are more reluctant to offer training to women when they operate in competitive product markets, male-dominated industries, and firms without collective bargaining agreements. More broadly, our results highlight that managers influence not only how much training is undertaken, but also how training opportunities are distributed among employees. This has the potential to create gender disparities in early career development that may have implications for organizational equity. |
| Keywords: | gender differences, manager decisions, human capital investment, training |
| JEL: | J24 J16 M53 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pot:cepadp:90 |
| By: | Federico Barbiellini Amidei (Bank of Italy); Matteo Gomellini (Bank of Italy); Lorenzo Incoronato (CSEF, University of Naples Federico II, CESifo, CReAM and Rockwool Foundation Berlin); Paolo Piselli (Bank of Italy) |
| Abstract: | This paper studies the relationship between demographic change and entrepreneurship and highlights its spatial dimension. We digitize historical censuses to reconstruct entrepreneurship rates and the age structure of Italian provinces since1960. We develop an estimation framework that relates entrepreneurship to granular age cohorts of the local population, leveraging instrumental variables to address endogeneity issues. Our results uncover stark regional heterogeneity. In Northern Italy, we find a hump-shaped age-entrepreneurship profile peaking at cohorts aged 30-40. In the South, entrepreneurship increases with age. Regional differences in the local business environment partly account for different estimated profiles. |
| Keywords: | entrepreneurship, demographic change, regional differences, long run |
| JEL: | J11 L26 R11 |
| Date: | 2025–06–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:sef:csefwp:752 |
| By: | Eleonora Trappolini (Sapienza Università di Roma); Kim Wooseong (Karolinska Institute, Sweden); Giammarco Alderotti (Dipartimento di Statistica, Informatica, Applicazioni "G. Parenti", Universita' di Firenze) |
| Abstract: | In the context of global population ageing, migrants are increasingly essential to sustaining labour forces across high-income countries. This study investigates the dynamics of overqualification (i.e., when workers have higher qualifications than their job requires) and job satisfaction among migrants, taking Italy - a country with one of the world's oldest populations and a highly segmented labour market - as a case study. We pursue three main goals: (1) to examine the risk of overqualification by migrant background, (2) to analyse how overqualification relates to job satisfaction by migrant status, and (3) to test whether the relationship between the two differs among older natives and migrants. We pay particular attention to migrants'age at arrival - a key factor that can profoundly shape labour market experiences through such mechanisms as educational pathways and integration trajectories. The results show that migrants, especially those who arrived in Italy as adults, face a significantly higher risk of overqualification than natives. However, the negative association between overqualification and job satisfaction is weaker among this group, and particularly among older adult migrants. These findings suggest the emergence of an 'overqualification/job satisfaction paradox', whereby those most exposed to job mismatch appear less affected by its negative consequences. This may be driven by psychological mechanisms- such as adaptation to lower expectations - as well as by selection processes, whereby migrants with more negative experiences may have already exited the host labour market. |
| Keywords: | overqualification; job satisfaction, migrants, Italy |
| JEL: | J15 J61 J28 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fir:econom:wp2025_07 |
| By: | Thomas Barbiero (Department of Economics, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada); Daniele Bertolini (Law and Business, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the determinants of environmental liability insurance (ELI) market penetration in Italy. The uptake of (ELI) in Italy shows significant regional disparities, with the North and Centre having a higher level of coverage compared to the South. Only 0.45% of Italian companies had comprehensive (ELI) in 2021, and 0.64% in 2022, the year for which the most recent data are available. We show that the low uptake of ELI and the large North-South divide, lies in the uneven regulatory landscape and enforcement intensity across regions. To bridge this gap and enhance ELI adoption, comprehensive policy interventions are necessary, including uniform national enforcement of environmental regulations, expansion of mandatory insurance requirements, financial and market-based incentives for firms, educational programs to address awareness and behavioral biases, and initiatives to reduce information asymmetries. Our results for Italy, may be applicable to other countries with similar national environmental laws, market maturity of the insurance sector, and the behavioral profile of firms. |
| Keywords: | Insurance Law and Economics, Insurance Demand, Under Purchased Insurance, Regulatory Pressure, Environmental Liability Insurance, Environmental Liability Directive, Behavioral Anomalies, Pollution Coverage Equilibrium |
| JEL: | K22 K32 G22 Q5 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:rye:wpaper:wp095 |
| By: | Iodice Silvia (European Commission - JRC); Van Heerden Sjoerdje; Barranco Ricardo (European Commission - JRC); Bertoni Eleonora (European Commission - JRC); Curtale Riccardo (European Commission - JRC); Gabrielli Lorenzo (European Commission - JRC); Signorelli Serena (European Commission - JRC); Sulis Patrizia (European Commission - JRC); Timbeau Xavier |
| Abstract: | This study examines the association between short-term tourist rentals and urban housing markets, local services, and liveability in three major European cities: Paris, Milan, and Rome. Using empirical, place-based longitudinal data, the research finds a statistically significant positive correlation between the shares of short-term rentals and the advertised selling prices in Milan and Rome, with areas having higher shares of Airbnb apartments experiencing higher property values. In Paris, there is a positive association with middle-sized houses, with higher transaction prices related to an increase in short-term rental shares. Additionally, the study reveals that short-term rentals are associated with declining residential services and increasing tourist-oriented services in Milan and Paris. However, survey data among residents suggests that the perceived liveability of neighbourhoods is not significantly affected by tourism and short-term rentals, despite some concerns about different forms of displacement. This study contributes to the debate about balanced development of the short-term rental sector and the need to exploit opportunities brought about by the tourism activity while also protecting liveability for the locals and the availability of affordable housing for all. Moreover, this analysis highlights the need to deepen the research about the socioeconomic impacts of tourism at high spatial resolution to draw evidence-based implications for urban planning and policymaking. |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc140885 |
| By: | Annibali, Claudio (University of Groningen); Bergemann, Annette (University of Groningen); Alessie, Rob (University of Groningen) |
| Abstract: | To promote early detection of diabetes and ameliorate the negative consequences of diabetes, some governments provide diabetes screenings. This paper contributes to the literature by being the first to investigate whether an issued warning affects the individual’s employment status. Additionally, our analysis also explores health effects, stratified by gender, age, and education , in order to receive indications for potential pathways of the employment effects. By doing so, we present the first results in the literature for individuals under 40. Using a multidimensional regression discontinuity design, we investigate the short- and long-run effects of a diabetes risk warning issued by Lifelines, a Dutch cohort study. In particular, low-educated individuals below 40 increase their labour market activities after a warning, which is generally more pronounced and also persistent for women. Surprisingly, this is not matched by similar strong effects on health outcomes by either gender. Health effects are very heterogeneous by gender, age and educational group. Older, highly educated women seem to benefit particularly strongly from a warning, as a significant reduction in the 4-year mortality rate indicates. |
| Keywords: | undiagnosed diabetes, employment, diabetes screening, diabetes, multidimensional regression discontinuity design |
| JEL: | I12 J16 I10 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17999 |
| By: | Bulfone, Fabio; Stratenwerth, Mischa; Tassinari, Arianna |
| Abstract: | This paper traces the growth trajectories of the Southern European economies (Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain) from the financial to the covid crisis. From a review of the comparative political economy literature focusing on Southern Europe, we derive three propositions regarding the growth profile, the development of high value-added services and manufacturing exports, and employment outcomes. To assess the accuracy of these propositions, we conduct growth decompositions based on import-adjusted demand components as well as on sectoral output and employment indicators. The data show that Southern European economies are similar in that export-led growth has not been sufficient to boost aggregate growth, stimulate high value-added services or manufacturing, reverse pro-cyclical employment declines, or create high-wage employment opportunities. But the Southern European economies also differ, both in terms of their sectoral growth profiles and their aggregate performance. In the second half of the decade, Portugal and Spain managed to combine domestic demand and exports to achieve stronger growth than Italy and Greece. Sectoral developments in Portugal and Spain (and to a lesser extent in Italy) tentatively suggest a potential "Iberian growth path" that is compatible with euro area constraints but ultimately peripheral. The paper concludes by considering the empirical and theoretical implications of these findings for the study of the Southern European model of capitalism. |
| Abstract: | Dieser Beitrag zeichnet die Wachstumsverläufe südeuropäischer Volkswirtschaften (Griechenland, Italien, Portugal und Spanien) im Jahrzehnt zwischen Finanz- und Coronakrise nach. Aus der vergleichenden politökonomischen Literatur mit Südeuropa-Schwerpunkt werden drei Thesen zum Wachstumsmodell sowie speziell zur Entwicklung von wertschöpfungsintensiven Dienstleistungs- und Industrieexporten und damit verbundenen Arbeitsmarkteffekten abgeleitet. Deren Stichhaltigkeit wird anhand von Wachstumsdekompositionen auf Grundlage importbereinigter Nachfragekomponenten sowie sektoraler Produktions- und Beschäftigungsindikatoren überprüft. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass sich die südeuropäischen Volkswirtschaften insofern ähneln, als exportorientiertes Wachstum nicht ausgereicht hat, um die Gesamtwirtschaft mitzuziehen, hochwertige Dienstleistungen oder das verarbeitende Gewerbe zu stimulieren, den prozyklischen Beschäftigungsrückgang zu kompensieren oder hoch bezahlte Arbeitsplätze zu schaffen. Andererseits weisen die südeuropäischen Volkswirtschaften auch markante Unterschiede auf, sowohl in Bezug auf ihre sektoralen Wachstumsprofile als auch auf ihre gesamtwirtschaftlichen Resultate. In der zweiten Hälfte des letzten Jahrzehnts gelang es Portugal und Spanien beispielsweise, durch eine Kombination von Binnennachfrage und Exporten ein stärkeres Wachstum zu erzielen als Italien und Griechenland. Sektorale Entwicklungen in Portugal und Spanien (sowie in geringerem Maße in Italien) deuten auf einen potenziellen (wenn auch letztlich peripheren) "iberischen Wachstumspfad" hin, der mit den Beschränkungen des Euroraums vereinbar ist. Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Betrachtung der empirischen und theoretischen Implikationen dieser Ergebnisse für die wissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung mit dem "südeuropäischen" Kapitalismusmodell. |
| Keywords: | Comparative political economy, economic sectors, export growth, growth models, post-austerity, Southern Europe, Exportwachstum, Post-Austerität, Südeuropa, Vergleichende Politische Ökonomie, Wachstumsmodelle, Wirtschaftssektoren |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:mpifgd:321881 |
| By: | Nielsen, Søren Albeck (Aarhus University); Rosholm, Michael (Aarhus University) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the impact of caseworker beliefs on employment and health outcomes among long-term unemployed social assistance recipients in Denmark. Exploiting as-if random caseworker assignment, an instrumental variables approach, and a novel measure of "Caseworker Job Orientation", we estimate the effects of caseworkers’ job beliefs regarding their clients. Results indicate that clients assigned to caseworkers with stronger innate job beliefs experience substantial improvements in employment rates, earnings, and educational enrollment. Additionally, positive effects on health are observed, particularly among clients with pre-existing health conditions. These findings underscore the role of caseworker attitudes in shaping client trajectories, offering policy insights into enhancing labor market re-entry strategies. |
| Keywords: | health outcomes, employment outcomes, long-term unemployment, caseworker beliefs, social assistance |
| JEL: | J68 I38 J65 C26 C93 |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17970 |
| By: | Pyka, Vinzenz |
| Abstract: | Using administrative data from Germany, this study provides first evidence on the wage effects of collective bargaining compliance laws. These laws require establishments receiving public contracts to pay wages set by a representative collective agreement, even if they are not formally bound by one. Leveraging variation in the timing of law implementation across federal states, and focusing on the public transport sector - where regulation is uniform and demand is driven solely by state-level needs - I estimate dynamic treatment effects using event-study designs. The results indicate that within five years of the law's implementation, wage increases were on average 2.9 to 4.6 per cent higher in federal states with such a law compared to those without one - but only in East Germany. These findings highlight the potential for securing collectively agreed wages in times of declining collective bargaining coverage. |
| Abstract: | Ich nutze administrative Daten aus Deutschland und liefere erstmals empirische Evidenz zu den Lohneffekten von Tariftreuegesetzen. Diese Gesetze verpflichten Unternehmen, die öffentliche Aufträge erhalten, ihre Beschäftigten nach einem repräsentativen Tarifvertrag zu entlohnen - auch wenn sie selbst nicht tarifgebunden sind. Auf Grundlage der Gesetzeseinführungen in den Bundesländern analysiere ich mithilfe von Event-Study-Modellen die Lohnentwicklung von Beschäftigten im öffentlichen Nahverkehr. Dieser Sektor eignet sich besonders gut zur Evaluation, da er bundesweit einheitlich reguliert ist und die Nachfrage ausschließlich durch den Staat bestimmt wird. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass in Bundesländern mit einem Tariftreuegesetz die Löhne ceteris paribus im Durchschnitt innerhalb von fünf Jahren nach der Einführung um 2, 9 bis 4, 6 Prozent stärker gestiegen sind als in Bundesländern ohne Tariftreuegesetz - allerdings nur in Ostdeutschland. Dies legt nahe, dass ein Bundestariftreuegesetz beitragen könnte, Tariflöhne angesichts einer sinkenden Tarifbindung zu sichern. |
| Keywords: | collective bargaining, pay clauses, public procurement, trade unions |
| JEL: | J31 J38 J51 J53 J58 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:faulre:321882 |
| By: | Krieger, Bastian; Rainville, Anne Marie |
| Abstract: | Public procurement requirements and voluntary standards are increasingly used to foster environmental product innovations. However, quantitative evidence on their individual and joint effects is absent, and their conceptualization remains at an early stage. This paper makes two contributions. First, it introduces the distinction between rigid threshold and flexible benchmark uses of voluntary standards in public tenders, theorizing their opposing effects on environmental product innovations. Second, using data from 5, 127 firms in the 2021 German Innovation Survey and applying linear probability models, it provides the first quantitative analysis of their individual and joint effects across varying degrees of environmental significance. Results show that public procurement requirements and voluntary standards individually increase the probability of firms introducing environmental product innovations with high environmental significance. However, their interaction reveals a negative effect - discomplementarity - likely driven by rigid standard use, which offsets the effectiveness of procurement requirements. For environmental product innovations with low environmental significance, only voluntary standards exhibit a positive effect. These findings suggest that voluntary standards might limit the capacity of public procurement to foster more radical or disruptive environmental product innovations, while supporting more incremental innovations when used independently. |
| Keywords: | Public procurement, Voluntary standards, Environmental innovation |
| JEL: | O31 O38 Q55 Q58 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:zewdip:319896 |
| By: | Hormigos Feliu Clara (European Commission - JRC); Florio Pietro (European Commission - JRC); Dijkstra Lewis (European Commission - JRC); Auteri Davide (European Commission - JRC); Bertozzi Cecilia (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | In the context of the European path towards carbon neutrality and energy resilience, this report investigates energy poverty in EU households and energy need challenges in the EUâs building stock, focusing on the vulnerabilities and opportunities for rural areas. Based on measures of consensual comfort levels, economic strain and dwelling energy efficiency from the Household Budget Survey and the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, our results indicate that rural households could face higher levels of energy poverty. A high-resolution analysis of the building stock shows that rural areas feature higher residential building volumes per inhabitant and less compact shapes, which challenges their energy efficiency and increases heating needs. On the other hand, rural areas lead in energy efficiency improvements, and are particularly suited for the implementation of self-consumption renewable systems such as rooftop photovoltaics thanks to large roof areas per inhabitant and a high share of rural ownership (78% of owned dwellings). With rooftop PV, rural areas could potentially produce 2 200 kWh/inhabitant annually, 38% more than the average household electricity consumption in the EU. |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc142243 |
| By: | Michael Christl (University of Loyola); Aron Kiss (European Commission, DG Economic and Financial Affairs); Wolfgang Nagl (Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Faculty of Applied Economics) |
| Abstract: | This paper examines labour market matching in Austria from 2008 to 2024, focusing on the regional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using monthly administrative data, we estimate Beveridge curves and matching efficiency across federal states. Our results show that while COVID-19 temporarily disrupted labour market matching, mismatch unemployment returned to pre-pandemic levels relatively quickly. However, this national recovery masks persistent regional differences. Many industrial regions experienced structural declines in matching efficiency starting in 2014-2015. These findings highlight the need for regionally targeted labour market and training policies to address lasting disparities and support post-pandemic recovery. |
| Keywords: | Beveridge curve, Unemployment, Matching efficiency, COVID-19 |
| Date: | 2025–07–21 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wfo:wpaper:y:2025:i:708 |
| By: | Feuillade, Mylène (Paris School of Economics); Goux, Dominique (CREST-INSEE); Maurin, Eric (Paris School of Economics) |
| Abstract: | This article explores how an employee’s choice to work from home (WFH) influences his or her spouse’s outcomes. Drawing on the specific features of the French institutions, we show that a spouse’s switch to WFH leads to a sharp increase in the probability that his or her partner will also switch to WFH, as well as in the number of hours worked by the partner. These cross-effects are particularly strong on the better-paid partner within the couple (whether the man or the woman) who appears to condition his or her decision to work from home on that of his or her (less-paid) partner. The effects of WFH on the volume of hours worked are greatly underestimated when spillovers within couples are neglected. On the other hand, we detect no significant effect on partners’ commuting distance, nor on the type of urban unit they choose to live in. |
| Keywords: | hours worked, social interactions, work from home |
| JEL: | J22 J16 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17997 |
| By: | Kay, Rosemarie; Schneck, Stefan |
| Abstract: | Die Geburt eines Kindes stellt häufig einen erheblichen Einschnitt in die Erwerbsbiografie abhängig beschäftigter Frauen dar. Unklar ist, ob dies auch für selbstständig erwerbstätige Frauen gilt. Unsere Auswertungen zeigen, dass selbstständig tätige Frauen später damit beginnen, Kinder zu bekommen, als abhängig beschäftigte. Sie belegen überdies, dass sich die Geburt eines Kindes auch auf die Erwerbstätigkeit von selbstständig erwerbstätigen Frauen auswirkt: Soloselbstständige geben ihren beruflichen Status häufiger in Folge einer Geburt auf als Selbstständige mit Beschäftigten oder abhängig Beschäftigte. Aufgrund der Reduzierung der Arbeitszeit in Folge der Geburt sinkt das Bruttomonatseinkommen, bei selbstständig Tätigen stärker als bei abhängig Beschäftigten. Selbstständig tätige Mütter erhöhen schneller wieder ihre Arbeitszeit als abhängig beschäftigte. |
| Abstract: | The birth of a child often represents a significant break in the employment history of women in paid employment. We investigate whether this also applies to self-employed women. Our analyses show that self-employed women start having children later than women in paid employment. They also show that the birth of a child also has an impact on the employment of selfemployed women: solo self-employed women are more likely to give up their professional status following a birth than self-employed women with employees or paid employed women. Due to the reduction in working hours because of the birth, gross monthly income falls more sharply for self-employed than for paid employed women. Self-employed mothers increase their working hours again more quickly than paid employed mothers. |
| Keywords: | Self-employment, childbirth, income effects, Selbstständigkeit, Geburt eines Kindes, Einkommenseffekte |
| JEL: | J13 J21 J24 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:ifmduf:321887 |
| By: | Cédric Chambru; Simon Hediger; Jakob Metzler; Ulrich Woitek |
| Abstract: | This paper examines the evolution of the biological standard of living using anthropometric data from approximately 22, 000 Swiss mercenaries born between c. 1725 and c. 1865. Analyzing mercenary data presents two key challenges: left-truncation due to height requirements and potential selection bias across regiments. We address these issues by estimating regiment-specific minimum height thresholds to account for variations in recruitment standards and resource constraints, and by controlling for regiment affiliation to mitigate selection bias. Our findings indicate a decline in average height beginning in the 1770s and continuing into the first half of the 19th century, with no evidence of recovery. While the unique nature of the mercenary sample limits broad generalizations, our results align with the economic hardships of the late 18th century, the challenges of early industrialization, and existing anthropometric evidence from Switzerland and other European countries. |
| Date: | 2025–06 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zur:econwp:473 |
| By: | Perret, Sarah |
| Abstract: | Since the early 2000s, the EU has funded many R&D projects on border security. However, devices developed through these programmes have met ‘violent ends’: firstly, by appearing to face abrupt ends after EU funding ceased; secondly, by materialising to serve as violent border devices. This article traces the fate of devices funded by the EU’s 7th Framework Programme for managing human and non-human movements. Theoretically, it adds to the literature on ignorance by approaching debates on non-knowledge through a Bourdieusian analytical lens, and methodologically, it proposes to mobilise the concept of ‘symbolic violence’ to investigate and compare what is acknowledged and what is not, what is obscured or obfuscated in and through R&D projects. Empirically, the paper examines several projects that aim to manage people and things on the move, and which have materialised in more or less overt ways. The article argues that projects focused on border security play a precursory role in the enactment of violent devices, and simultaneously obfuscate the non-knowledge of ‘violent ends’ that shape the future of the EU’s border governance. It shows that even if these projects do not apparently materialise, they nevertheless find ways of achieving their violent ends. |
| Date: | 2024–06–18 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:osf:socarx:zwe7n_v1 |
| By: | Bekkers, Eddy; Jhunjhunwala, Kirti; Metivier, Jeanne; Stolzenburg, Victor; Yilmaz, Ayse Nihal |
| Abstract: | On average, wages of female workers are lower than wages of male workers. In this paper, we explore to what extent a gender bias in trade costs explains this gender wage gap and how different policy reforms could lower it. First, we analyse the relation between various types of trade costs and female labour intensity across sectors. We find that more female labour intensive sectors face both higher tariffs and non-tariff barriers when exporting to other regions and when importing inputs. Second, we explore different trade policy reforms with regards to goods and services trade, and find that services trade policy reform has a more meaningful impact. Third, we simulate trade cost reductions caused by a reduced requirement for face-to-face interaction in services jobs, a phenomenon driven by digitalisation. This change would generate a much larger reduction of the gender wage gap than trade policy reforms. |
| Keywords: | Trade Policy, Gender wage gap, Labour market discrimination |
| JEL: | F16 F17 J16 |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:wtowps:321864 |
| By: | Enriqueta Camps |
| Abstract: | In this paper we account for the early demographic transition of Catalonia and impact on population ageing and productivity levels. Female vocational training and female real wage increase during the first third of the 20th century, high female participation levels in the workforce and the influence of libertarian practices of fertility control seem to be the main reasons of low fertility levels (below replacement) during the first third of the 20th century. The sustained low fertility trend has resulted in a high dependency ratio during the first decades of the 21st century caused in turn by longevity The high proportion of dependents on population has as a result the small adequacy of GDP per capita to measure the evolution of productivity levels during the 21st century. |
| Keywords: | economic growth, fertility, Gender Gap, Longevity |
| JEL: | A11 A12 I15 J11 N3 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bge:wpaper:1498 |
| By: | Schneider, Eric B.; Davenport, Romola |
| Abstract: | This paper uses population smallpox mortality rates in eighteenth-century Sweden and the death toll from the 1707-9 smallpox epidemic in Iceland to estimate plausible ranges for the case fatality rate (CFR) of the deadly form of smallpox, Variola major, in both its endemic (Sweden) and epidemic (Iceland) form. We find that smallpox CFRs could be extremely high (40-53%) when smallpox was epidemic and attacked a population where both children and adults were susceptible as in Iceland. However, where smallpox was endemic and therefore a disease of childhood, as in Sweden, a better estimate of the CFR is 8-10%. This is far lower than the consensus CFR of 20% to 30%. Part of the differences between the CFRs studied here could be due to differences in the inherent virulence of smallpox in the two contexts. However, we argue that social factors are more likely to explain the differences. Where both adults and children were susceptible to smallpox, smallpox epidemics fundamentally disrupted household tasks such as fetching water and food preparation and prevented parents from nursing their sick children, dramatically increasing the CFR. Thus, when historians and epidemiologists give CFRs of smallpox, they should consider the population and context rather than relying on an implausible intrinsic CFR of 20% to 30%. |
| Keywords: | smallpox; epidemics; case fertility rate; historical demography |
| JEL: | N30 J10 |
| Date: | 2025–05–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ehl:lserod:128854 |
| By: | Thomas Buser (University of Amsterdam and Tinbergen Institute); Sahar Sangi (University of Amsterdam) |
| Abstract: | Competitive environments often leave room for “dirty†practices such as sabotage, retaliation, or dishonesty. We use an online experiment to document aggregate levels and individual differences in the willingness to engage in dirty competition and in the willingness to enter competitions where the opponent may play dirty. We then use the experimental data to validate a set of survey questions that capture willingness to engage in dirty competition above general willingness to compete. We elicit these questions in a representative survey panel and show that willingness to engage in dirty competition is a strong predictor of holding a management or supervisory position and of working in the private – versus the public – sector, but also of worse self-esteem, worse social relationships, and increased feelings of guilt and shame. Men, younger people, and lower-educated people are on average more willing to engage in dirty competition. |
| Keywords: | preferences, personality, sabotage, career choice |
| JEL: | C91 J24 |
| Date: | 2025–02–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tin:wpaper:20250007 |
| By: | Parise, Gianpaolo (Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management) |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tiu:tiutis:3dfc11ff-31ce-4b9f-9e68-d863fdbce9ec |
| By: | de Assis, Dércio (University of Nottingham); Ghosh, Arpita (University of Exeter); Oreffice, Sonia (University of Exeter); Quintana-Domeque, Climent (University of Exeter) |
| Abstract: | Do non-fatal strangulation laws save lives? Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a common and dangerous form of intimate partner violence (IPV) and a predictor of homicide, yet it was historically neglected by the criminal justice system. Since the year 2000, most U.S. states have enacted laws enlisting NFS as a standalone criminal offense. We compile a novel dataset on state NFS statutes and link it to the FBI Supplementary Homicide Reports from 1990 to 2019 to estimate the causal effects of these laws on IPH rates. Using a difference-in-differences strategy, and an estimator that accounts for staggered adoption and treatment heterogeneity, we find that NFS laws led to significant reductions in IPH rates. We estimate that these laws reduce female-victim IPH by 14% and male-victim IPH by 36%, among victims aged 18-34. No significant effects are observed for victims 50 and above or for homicides committed by strangers. Event-study estimates support the parallel trends assumption. Our findings suggest that NFS laws can disrupt the escalation of IPV and reduce lethal outcomes. |
| Keywords: | intimate partner violence, gender, difference-in-differences, criminal justice policy |
| JEL: | C21 I18 J12 J16 J78 K14 K42 N92 |
| Date: | 2025–07 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18006 |
| By: | Altug Aydemir; Mert Gokcu |
| Abstract: | [EN] In recent years, machine learning-based techniques have gained prominence in forecasting crude oil prices due to their ability effectively handle the highly volatile and nonlinear nature of oil prices. The primary objective of this paper is to forecast monthly oil prices with the highest level of precision and accuracy possible. To do this, we propose a deepened and high-parametrized version of the deep neural network model framework that integrates widely adopted algorithms and a variety of datasets. Additionally, our approach involves the optimal architecture for deep neural networks used in oil price forecasting and offers forecasts that are repeatable and consistent. All the evaluation metrics values indicate that the proposed model achieves superior forecasting performance compared to some simple conventional statistical models. [TR] Son zamanlarda, makine ogrenimi tabanli yontemler, petrol fiyatlarinin son derece oynak ve dogrusal olmayan dogasi ile etkin bir sekilde basa cikma yetenekleri sayesinde ham petrol fiyatlarini tahmin etmede onem kazanmistir. Bu calismanin temel amaci, aylik bazda petrol fiyatlarini mumkun olan en yuksek hassasiyet ve dogrulukla tahmin etmektir. Bunu yapmak icin, ham petrol fiyat tahmini icin iyi bilinen algoritmalari ve cesitli veri kumelerini kullanan derin sinir agi modeli cercevesinin derinlestirilmis ve yuksek parametreli bir versiyonunu oneriyoruz. Ayrica, yaklasimimiz petrol fiyat tahmininde kullanilan derin sinir aglari icin en uygun mimariyi icermekte ve tekrarlanabilir ve tutarli tahminler sunmaktadir. Tum degerlendirme metrik degerleri, onerilen modelimizin geleneksel yontemlere kiyasla tahmin performansinda onemli bir iyilesmeye sahip oldugunu gostermektedir. |
| Date: | 2025 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:tcb:econot:2511 |
| By: | Kim, Dohan |
| Abstract: | One defining feature of financial crises, evident in U.S. and international data, is asymmetric bank distress—concentrated losses on a subset of banks. This paper proposes a model in which shocks to borrowers’ productivity dispersion lead to asymmetric bank losses. The framework exhibits a “bank distress amplifier, ” exacerbating economic downturns by causing costly bank failures and raising uncertainty about the solvency of banks, thereby pushing banks to deleverage. Quantitative analysis shows that the bank distress amplifier doubles investment decline and increases the spread by 2.5 times during the Great Recession compared to a standard financial accelerator model. The mechanism helps explain how a seemingly small shock can sometimes trigger a large crisis. |
| Date: | 2025–07–10 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:11170 |
| By: | Tom Barkin |
| Abstract: | Where will demand and inflation go from here? It’s hard to know. I believe the labor market will be key to answering this question. For many employers, the labor market still feels out of balance. The pandemic era seems to have made the jobs market less predictable and left a number of employers scrambling for workers. Employers caught short aren’t standing still. They’re investing to increase labor supply, reduce labor demand and fight their way up the job hierarchy. The range of potential outcomes is still pretty broad. That’s why I supported our decision to hold rates steady at the last meeting. We have time to see if we’ve done enough, or whether there’s more work to be done. |
| Keywords: | inflation; monetary policy; business cycles; employment and labor markets |
| Date: | 2023–09–28 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fip:r00034:101238 |