Although there are only a few providers in many Swiss industries, competitive pressure is high. A study by DIW Econ on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) shows that market concentration in Switzerland is in line with the European average, with Swiss companies achieving significantly lower mark-ups. A key driver of this is the strong focus on foreign trade: even in sectors where there are only a few domestic players, international competition creates price pressure and incentives for innovation.
A study of the social circumstances of self-employed people in Germany
DIW Econ has successfully completed the BMAS research project ‘Investigation of the social situations of self-employed persons in Germany’, in collaboration with infas – Institute for Applied Social Sciences. As part of the project, a nationwide survey of over 2,000 self-employed individuals in main and secondary employment was conducted in 2024. The survey covered topics such as their employment situation and history, income, finances, and social security provisions.
The vending machine industry between regulation and economic trends since 1993 – Update 2025
In a recent study commissioned by VDAI Verlags- und Veranstaltungsgesellschaft mbH, DIW Econ evaluated how the scope for action in the gaming machine industry has developed over the last 30 years. Entitled ’40 Pfennig Höchsteinsatz – Die Automatenwirtschaft zwischen Regulierung und ökonomischen Trends seit 1993 – Update 2025′ (40 Pfennig Maximum Bet: The Vending Machine Industry between Regulation and Economic Trends since 1993 – Update 2025), the study describes the latest developments in the industry’s economic environment, including sharp rises in energy and personnel costs, as well as the renewed expansion of illegal gaming machines.
Regional economic effects of the energy transition in the Hanover region
The energy transition is a powerful economic driver for the Hanover region. A study by DIW Econ shows that an ambitious energy transition by 2035 would result in additional investments of around €24.9 billion, €14.3 billion of which would directly benefit the Hanover region. This could generate around €9.5 billion in gross value added and create an average of around 4,100 jobs. Local budgets would also benefit significantly, with projected additional tax revenues of around €470 million.
The potential for creating value from wind energy in Germany.
This study by DIW Econ shows that innovative technology could create thousands of jobs and contribute to the energy transition.
The study, commissioned by Airborne Wind Europe, shows that airborne wind energy (AWE) offers significant economic opportunities for Germany. It has the potential to accelerate the energy transition, provide new industrial impetus, and generate high-quality employment opportunities.