Migration and innovation: does cultural diversity matter for regional R&D activity?

Arbeitspapier

Recent theoretical research deals with economic costs and benefits of cultural diversity related to immigration. However, empirical evidence regarding the impact of cultural diversity on economic performance is still scarce. This paper investigates the significance of cultural diversity of the workforce on innovation output for a cross-section of German regions. The findings indicate that cultural diversity indeed affects innovative activity. The results suggest that differences in knowledge and capabilities of workers from diverse cultural backgrounds enhance performance of regional R&D sectors. However, education levels are also important. Diversity among highly qualified employees has the strongest impact on innovation output.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: IAB-Discussion Paper ; No. 14/2006

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Single Equation Models; Single Variables: Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
• Subject: Einwanderung - Auswirkungen ; kulturelle Faktoren ; Forschung und Entwicklung ; Innovationspotenzial ; Innovationsfähigkeit ; regionale Faktoren ; Arbeitskräftestruktur ; regionale Herkunft ; ausländische Arbeitnehmer ; Wissensarbeit ; Wissenstransfer ; regionale Disparität ; Arbeitsmigration - Auswirkungen ; Migranten ; Qualifikationsniveau ; Patente - Quote ; regionaler Vergleich

Contributors, Location and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Niebuhr, Annekatrin
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung (IAB)
• (where): Nürnberg
• (when): 2006

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/31908
• Last update: 12.07.2024, 1:21 PM CEST