Resources and bridging: the role of spatial context in rural entrepreneurship

This article contributes to the emerging discussion on the role of context in entrepreneurship as well as the development of theorizing on rural entrepreneurship. It does so by exploring the role of spatial context for rural entrepreneurs. Through a case study of 28 ventures, two modes of spatializing rural entrepreneurial activities are identified in the form of resource endowments and spatial bridging. Additionally, we develop a typology of rural entrepreneurs, which captures hitherto unexplored heterogeneity within this group of entrepreneurs. Spatial context is found to be of considerable significance to the rural entrepreneurial process and hence this study contributes to a micro-level understanding of place-specific entrepreneurial practices and the non-local circulation of value that can enrich local economies.     

Employment growth following takeovers

We construct a comprehensive sample of takeovers in Belgium that shows they are remarkably common. Takeovers involve both small and large firms and, over a five‐year period, 17% of private sector employment. We estimate their impact on employment growth using a framework that explicitly takes into account that takeovers involve pairs of firms and that post‐merger outcomes are heterogeneous. The average merger temporarily reduces employment of the combined entity by ?1.4%. Mergers likely to be motivated by market power show a stronger and permanent employment reduction of ?14%, whereas those motivated by efficiency gains lead to employment expansions of +10%.     

Decomposing Beveridge Curve Dynamics By Correlated Unobserved Components

Our paper provides a consistent framework to study the structural or cyclical nature of Beveridge curve (BC) dynamics: We connect equilibrium unemployment theory to a flexible multivariate unobserved components model. We disentangle permanent and transitory components of all series determining the BC and its position. Cointegration and identification are addressed. The German curve is an ideal illustration as reforms of the institutional setting and the Great Recession were accompanied by a remarkable labour market development. We find an extraordinary increase in trend matching efficiency after the reforms, which testifies to a permanent improvement. Matching efficiency accounts for about half of the BC? inward shift. As tightness also increased, a persistent upward movement masked the inward shift.     

Hypothermie bei Schlaganfall

Neue Therapieform für die Akutphase — Die M?glichkeiten, Patienten, die einen isch?mischen Schlaganfall erlitten haben, zu behandeln sind begrenzt. Wissenschaftler untersuchen daher, ob das Unterkühlen der Patienten in der Akutphase die überlebensrate verbessern und das Risiko lebenslanger Behinderung reduzieren kann.     

Data-Driven Phase Analysis of E-negotiations: An Exemplary Study of Synchronous and Asynchronous Negotiations

In this empirical study, we present a new method for analyzing coded and categorized data of negotiation protocols. By applying a data-driven identification of negotiation phases we are able to identify endogenous dynamics of negotiation processes and to combine advantages of both, episodic and stage models of phase analysis. We present an exemplary study in which we compare processes of synchronous and asynchronous electronic negotiations. This analysis shows that, while synchronous negotiations follow a phase model similar to sequential stage models as discussed for face-to-face negotiations, asynchronous negotiations show less evidence of such a structure.     

Endogenized technological learning in an energy systems model

Technology dynamics is endogenized into a bottom-up energy systems model. Mixed integer programming is used to incorporate into the model the non-convex relation between declining specific investment in energy technologies and overall experience or capacities installed. The initial results achieved with this approach show the importance of early investment in new technology developments. New technologies will not become cheaper irrespective of research, development, and demonstration (RD & D) decisions; they will do so only if determined RD&D policies and investment strategies enhance their development.     

Real and nominal convergence in the central and east European accession countries

Following their accession to the EU, which is planned for May 2004, eight central and east European countries will subsequently strive for integration into the Eurosystem. The Eurosystem underlines the need for simultaneous real and nominal convergence as a prerequisite for integration into the euro area. But some of the acceding countries argue that, at least in the short to medium term, a strengthening of nominal convergence makes real economic convergence more difficult. The following paper investigates this issue by means of an empirical study and attempts to establish to what extent real and nominal convergence are compatible.     

Hungary's Bankruptcy Experience, 1992-93

Policymakers working on enterprise restructuring should takea close look at Hungary's experience with bankruptcy reformsince 1992. This article provides detailed data on a randomlyselected stratified sample of actual cases filed in the firsttwo years after the enactment of the law. These data are supplementedwith information obtained from interviews with judges, liquidators,and firms involved in the bankruptcy process to give an overallpicture of the process in the first two years of its implementation.The bankruptcy process in Hungary has indisputably spurred institutionbuilding in the courts, the trustee profession, and the banks.It may also have succeeded broadly in separating viable fromunviable firms. It did little, however, to further either deeprestructuring or the exit of ailing firms. The changes in incentivesand institutions that are needed to make bankruptcy work intransition economies invariably take time. Hungary's initiative,albeit imperfect, was a bold start toward reform.