Research Data Centre

IWH Research Data Centre (IWH-FDZ)

The IWH Research Data Centre offers external researchers access to microdata and micro-aggregated data sets that enable in-depth analyses on a wide range of issues. The RDC was accredited by the German Data Forum (RatSWD) in 2016.
The data can be summarised in various thematic clusters, ranging from international markets to the transformation of the East German economy. Each cluster supports specific research priorities, with an overarching focus on transformation, productivity and factor markets.

Depending on the type and sensitivity of the dataset, the data can be used either via download as a Scientific Use File (SUF) or as part of a guest visit to our secure data workstation. Further information can be found in our terms of use and on the detailed pages of the respective datasets.

Further information about our RDC can be found here (Open Access): doi.org/10.1515/jbnst-2015-1036

Our Data Offer

1. International Markets and Productivity

In a globalised economy, international markets and the productivity of companies play a central role. The data sets in this cluster provide detailed insights into the structure and dynamics of multinational companies, property markets and sectoral competitiveness.

IWH FDI-Micro Database

Contents: Primary survey on direct investments of multinational companies in Eastern Europe
Period: 2007–2013
Application: Analyses of the choice of location of multinational companies, the organisation of innovation, research and development processes, as well as the potential of external effects
Access: On-site (on request)

CompNet-Databank

Contents: Distributions of productivity and competitiveness indicators for European countries by sector and company size
Period: ongoing
Application: Comparative studies on productivity and structural change
Access: Scientific Use File (on request)

IWH European Real Estate Index

Contents: Monthly purchase and rental prices for property at NUTS 3 level for 18 European countries
Period: since 2018
Application: Research on property markets and financial resilience
Access: Scientific Use File (on request)

2. Economic Transformation und Privatisation

The transformation of the East German economy after reunification is a unique historical event that can also serve as a natural experiment for current issues. The data sets in this cluster document these developments and provide important insights into institutional and economic change processes.

IWH Treuhand-Micro Database

Contents: Data from the Information System Unternehmensdatenbank (ISUD) of the Treuhandanstalt, linked with company information from the Hoppenstedt company yearbooks
Period: 1990-1994
Application: Analyses of privatisation and structural transformation processes, management decisions
Access: Scientific Use File, On-Site (on request)

Survey on management buy-outs (MBOs) in the context of the German reunification

Contents: Survey on employee structure, shareholding structure, motives for the takeover, finance and accounting, liquidity problems, support measures, products and sales
Period: 1995
Application: Research on motives, obstacles and effects of MBOs on companies
Access: On-Site (on request)

Transformation matrices

Contents: Key bridges for territorial transformation in Germany
Period: 1990-2015
Application: Geographical analyses and time series comparisons
Access: On-Site (on request)

3. Regional economy and sector analyses

This cluster includes data on regional developments, subsidies and sector analyses. The data sets provide detailed insights into the dynamics of the eastern German manufacturing and construction industries as well as the impact of subsidy programmes on the regional economy.

IWH-Subsidy database

Contents: Microdata on funded projects for various direct business subsidy programmes in eastern Germany
Period: 1968-2018, depending on the programme
Application: Analyses of subsidy effects and economic development
Access: On Site (on request)

IWH-Industry Survey

Contents: Quarterly survey on the situation in the manufacturing industry in eastern Germany
Period: 1993-2017
Application: Economic and industry research
Access: On Site (on request)

IWH-Construction Survey

Contents: Quarterly survey on the situation in the eastern German construction industry
Period: 1992-2017
Application: Analyses of the construction industry and structural change
Access: On Site (on request)

4. Information Platforms

In addition to the datasets, the FDZ also offers access to specialised information platforms that support researchers with specific questions.

International Banking Library

Contents: Platform for data, content and research on cross-border banking
Access: Open Access Link

Note: Beginning from July 2016 the RatSWD (German Data Forum) has established a complaint point. By using a contact form provided on the RatSWD website, you have the possibilty to address directly those problems that arise by using data of the RDC when these issues could not be solved yet with the corresponding contact person of the RDC. The contact sheet including details of responsibilities and information on the procedure can be retrieved from www.ratswd.de/beschwerdestelle.