How far does the influence of innovation in North-Rhine Westphalia reach?

Abstract

In this thesis the influence of innovation in North-Rhine Westphalia on socio economic endowments is tested. North-Rhine Westphalia is a highly diverse region as has an old industrial region (Ruhrgebiet), modern service minded cities Cologne and Düsseldorf are located in the region and it has big agricultural areas. The thesis provides insight on how innovation (measured by quantity and quality of patents) influences the regional GDP per capita (purchasing power standards) and unemployment rates. It is tested if innovation alone influences these socio economic endowments or if other factors play a more eminent role. First an overview of North-Rhine Westphalia’s innovation is given. Secondly, the role of innovation in improving the socio economic endowments was tested. According to this research human capital and the creative class play a more vital role in improving the socio economic endowments than innovation alone. Policy makers in a diverse region as North-Rhine Westphalia should be careful when implementing policy, as a one size fits all policy is missing.