International Knowledge Boosts Firm Innovation // ZEW Study on Innovation through Knowledge Imports

ZEW Study on Innovation through Knowledge Imports

Deutschland ist einer der größten Importeure von Wissen weltweit, zeigt eine Berechnung des ZEW Mannheim.

The value of imported knowledge services to Germany, such as research and development (R&D) or patents, has more than doubled over the last decade. It grew from around 16.9 billion USD in 2010 to over 46 billion USD in 2022, as calculated by ZEW based on figures from the World Trade Organization (WTO). This makes Germany one of the world's largest importers of knowledge. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have yet to fully exploit this potential. This is the result of a recent analysis by ZEW Mannheim.

"In light of increasing protectionism and the pursuit of technological sovereignty, it is advisable to focus on reliable partner countries, such as those within the EU, when importing knowledge. German economic policy should aim to eliminate remaining trade barriers for knowledge imports within the Single Market," recommends Dr. Bastian Krieger, author of the study and head of the Junior Research Group "Co-Creation" in ZEW's "Economics of Innovation and Industrial Dynamics" Unit.