Centre for Business and Productivity Dynamics (IWH-CBPD)

The CBPD comprises two data platforms. The CBPD's CompNet and MDI platforms are designed to connect political institutions, researchers and students through standardised microdata analyses. 

Access to the data platforms:

1. IWH-CompNet: focuses on aggregated microdata and aims to develop official microdata in co-operation with national statistical authorities. This sub-division will provide systematic access to and development of harmonised indicators that improve the understanding of firms' productivity, production processes and innovation potential. Click here for the data request form.
2. Microdata infrastructure, MDI (currently under development): A pan-European microdata research laboratory. MDI is a microdata infrastructure that enables national productivity committees and authorised researchers to conduct cross-national research using confidential microdata from participating national statistical offices. MDI is designed to enable international productivity comparisons and cross-departmental analyses of (dis)incentives for sustainable change.

The CBPD is integrated into the IWH as a cross-sectional unit, so that close integration with the other departments of the IWH is guaranteed. This structure enables direct modelling and systematic research into the interdependencies between the labour market, financial economy and macroeconomics with regard to long-term real economic results. The establishment of the CBPD complements the IWH's research strategy by systematically facilitating access to data on economic activities at company level.

Main Partners
The CBPD consists of several key institutions and organisations working together to advance research and policy analysis.

• Member institutions:
  Contributing members of the CompNet and MDI network. Members include both policy and research institutions, including the Timbergen Institute, the European Commission (EC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the German Productivity Committee, etc.
• National Productivity Councils:
  National Productivity Boards are independent institutions that conduct high quality economic and statistical analyses of productivity and competitiveness trends and challenges in their respective countries. We are currently working with NPBs in France and Germany.
• National Statistical Institutes:
  National Statistical Offices (NSOs) play a crucial role in facilitating access to confidential data while maintaining strict privacy and security standards. They create secure access protocols and review research proposals.

See also: Press release "IWH founds a European centre for microdata research"