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The economic impact of e-lending in public libraries on the consumer book market

On behalf of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM), DIW Econ analysed the economic effects of e-lending on the German public book market. In its coalition agreement, the German government established the goal of creating a fair framework conditions for e-lending in public libraries. The study now presented by DIW Econ aims to provide a comprehensive empirical basis for this.

The vending industry between regulation and economic trends since 1993

The vending industry is currently facing a variety of challenges. Rising operating costs, the decline in floor space in the hospitality industry, the COVID-19 pandemic, and increasing digital competition are putting providers of slot machines under increasing pressure. At the same time, there is only limited legal room for manoeuvre for the vending machine industry to counteract the changed economic conditions by adjusting prices, the quantity offered and via changes to product characteristics.

On behalf of the Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie e.V. (Association of the German Amusement Machine Industry), DIW Econ examines the key economic figures of the amusement machine industry against the background of the applicable regulations and the development of economic trends over the past 30 years.

From ‘refugee crisis’ to job engine

In its latest study commissioned by the Tent Partnership for Refugees, DIW Econ analyses the challenges and effects of integrating refugees into the German labour market. To examine this topic, 100 medium-sized and large companies with previous experience in integrating refugees following 2015 were surveyed, alongside qualitative interviews conducted with entrepreneurs.

Company succession in the construction industry

The construction industry is an essential pillar of the German economy, both in terms of its contribution to gross domestic product and overall employment. Due to the observed increase in the average age of business owners, it can be assumed that more and more entrepreneurs will be affected by succession planning in the coming years. However, to date, there has been no estimate or survey that provides reliable information on how many companies in the construction industry will be faced with succession planning in the coming years and what economic effects can be expected as a result.

To close this research gap, DIW Econ and the Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn were commissioned by the Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR) to investigate the business succession situation in the construction i

Evaluation of the amendment of the Act on the Regulation of Housing Placement by the Tenancy Law Amendment Act

DIW Econ GmbH was commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) to evaluate the “buyer principle” introduced in 2015 for the marketing of rental properties. Since then, this principle has obliged the initiator of a brokerage service to pay for it (“whoever orders, pays”). The evaluation examines whether the law’s objectives have been achieved and additionally identifies potential needs for an amendment to the law.