German Council Research Articles

In Search of Ordoliberalism: Evidence from the Annual Reports of the German Council of Economic Experts, 1964-2017

The history of German economic thought is often told as a story of underdevelopment that started with a delayed adoption of Keynesianism. This narrative was reinforced by discussions during the Eurozone crisis that traced this perceived underdevelopment back to Ordoliberalism, a German school of economic thought that had emerged in Freiburg during the 1930s. In order to provide a more nuanced and dynamic view of this German economic distinctiveness, this study analyses the extent to which representative German economists adhered to an ideal type Ordoliberalism in the second half of the twentieth and the early twenty-first century. In particular, it uses the annual reports of the German Council of Economic Experts (GCEE) between 1964 and2017 as a case study. A computational text mining technique known as Topic Modelling is introduced to structure and understand the annual reports’ vast amount of semantic data (over 21,000 pages). This quantitative exercise identifies three potential ‘ordoliberal episodes’ and shows the gradual decline of the macroeconomic perspective. These findings structure the further analysis of the data along four distinctive periods in the council’s history. Combining this quantitative analysis with qualitative evidence reveals that Ordoliberalism’s initial innovation cycle during the period of Germany’s post-war ‘economic miracle’ was followed by three peaks in ordoliberal thought: during the early 1970s, caused by concerns about price stability, during the 1990s , when ‘ordo’ reforms were used in an effort to create ‘complete competition’ in the former GDR, and during the Eurozone crisis from 2010 onwards in the form of rule-based regulatory proposals. Finally, narrative economics is used to frame the analysis of four mechanisms that could have triggered these new ordoliberal episodes. Taken together, the results suggest that ordoliberal thought was not consistently present in German economic policy advice, but that certain ordoliberal ideas have been reactivated during times of domestic crisis that called for guidance by easily accessible narratives. In terms of methodology, this study demonstrates that quantitative and qualitative analyses have to be treated as necessary complements when analysing the influence of economic ideas.

Support structures to facilitate the dissemination and implementation of a national standard for research information – the German case of the Research Core Dataset

The German science and higher education system is characterized by federalism, multi-level governance and interwoven regulatory competences of different levels of government. Establishing binding standards and harmonized policies for German higher education institutions and non-university research institutions is a complex task that requires concerted action and co-operation between the federal and state governments. In 2013, the German Council of Science and Humanities recognized the need for research information (RI) standards in order to reduce the efforts in and to create an incentive for optimized RI management as well as to enhance the quality and informative value of RI. For this reason, the science council issued recommendations that called for the specification of the so-called research core dataset (RCD) – a set of standard definitions and concepts as well as data formats for RI – and recommended its (voluntary) implementation in the German science system in 2016. This paper is intended as a descriptive case report with the aim to provide insights from a national standardization project and to share experiences made during this project. Particular emphasis is on the support structures currently in place to facilitate the dissemination and implementation of the RCD in the federal and multi-level governed German science system.

Guest Workers, Social Order, and West German Municipalities, 1960–7

This article examines the response of West German cities and their main political pressure group, the Deutsche Städtetag (DST, The German Council of Municipalities) to the arrival of guest workers between 1960–7. It argues that unlike the federal government, almost all city authorities quickly understood that a portion of the guest workers would remain permanently in West Germany. As a result, the DST and most cities called for some form of guest worker integration already by the early 1960s. Although often expressing humanitarian concern for the guest workers, the cities framed guest worker integration in terms of limiting costs, preserving social order, and maintaining control over the guest workers. In their discussions on guest worker integration, West German cities racialized the guest workers from southern Europe by maintaining a hierarchy of difference with an assumption that the guest workers would never become fully German.

Leibniz‐Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT): From Basic Research to Practical Applications

Leibniz‐Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT): From Basic Research to Practical Applications

The new post-Cold War arms market: competition, regulation and Europeanisation

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

The ambiguity of French arms-export policy in the post-Cold War era

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

President Sarkozy’s stimulus package for arms exports

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

President Hollande: continued backing for arms sales

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

The policy model for French arms exports

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

Introduction

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

Conclusion

‘This important book provides a comprehensive and much-needed analysis of French defence export policy, the first of its kind in more than 30 years. Lucie Béraud-Sudreau skilfully reconstructs the policy deliberations during the post-Cold War era, in the process shedding light on France's understanding of strategic autonomy. Her book will be essential reading for any observer of French defence policy.’Professor François Heisbourg, Senior Advisor for Europe, IISS‘French Arms Exports: The Business of Sovereignty is poised to become the go-to resource on the contemporary French arms trade. Not since the 1970s has there been such a carefully researched, historically rich and politically knowledgeable book about the French arms trade, and Béraud-Sudreau ably brings us from the Cold War to the modern day, using a wealth of original interview evidence. In doing so, she also offers important insights into the sources of continuity in French arms exports, amidst great political, economic and military change.’Jennifer L. Erickson, author of Dangerous Trade: Arms Exports, Human Rights, and International Reputation and Associate Professor of Political Science at Boston College‘This book is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand French defence-export policy and its foundation in the broader policy conception of strategic autonomy. Taking a systematic deep dive, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau not only elaborates upon the relevant actors and internal power dynamics in the policy process, she also analyses the changes in policies and outcomes when France had to react to a shifting European and global political and industrial landscape.’Dr Christian Mölling, Deputy Director, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)Ever since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958, France has believed its strategic independence to be predicated on self-sufficiency in modern weapons. In order to maintain the requisite defence-industrial base, in the context of limited domestic orders, successive governments have prioritised the export of French arms on a large scale.In this Adelphi book, Lucie Béraud-Sudreau provides a detailed, behind-the-scenes examination of the institutional arrangements that have underpinned France's relatively liberal approach to arms sales over the years. The narrative begins during the Cold War, when France offered customers an alternative to reliance on one of the superpowers for their arms purchases, and then charts how the French arms-export system has responded to international political developments and dramatic changes in the global arms market. The book shows that, in general, France's leaders and machinery of government have been resistant to the notion of restraining arms sales. It also looks to the future, arguing that France now faces a dilemma over whether to maintain its traditional course or accept a greater degree of export restraint as part of closer armaments cooperation with European partners.Lucie Béraud-Sudreau is Senior Researcher and Director of the Arms and Military Expenditure Programme at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Sweden.

Bedarfsgerechte Steuerung der Gesundheitsversorgung — Chancen und Hindernisse

On 2 July 2018, the German Council of Health Experts handed over its current report entitled, “Demand-oriented health care management” to the Federal Ministry of Health. The pronounced separation of outpatient and inpatient care, and distinction between private and public health insurance, is typical of the German system. Experts’ recommendations include improved coordination of outpatient and inpatient services, monistic hospital financing and family doctor-centred patient care. The main criticism of the report is that it lacks a regulatory concept with competitive management structures.

Significance of the doctorate in scientific medical education

According to European and German law, the medical education of physicians must take place in ascientific degree program at auniversity or under the supervision of auniversity. To keep up the ideal of ascientific degree program, various organizations and associations, such as the German Research Foundation, the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Medical Faculty Association, see the need for an even stronger anchoring of academic learning content in the course of study. Traditionally, ascientific project, which is carried out during the studies, provides the basis for the Doctor of Medicine (Dr. med.) after graduation, although the research projects as a basis for medical degrees are currently not obligatory parts of the curricula. The number of medical students performing such research projects is significantly decreasing, thus they are missing major skills for working in science. To counteract these developments, faculties of medicine are currently developing model curricula including deepened scientific education. Despite these efforts, the German Association of Faculties of Medicine argues that the performance of research projects leading to the doctoral degree is most suitable for obtaining expertise in scientific work. According to recommendations by the German Council of Science on the requirements for quality assurance of graduation doctoral degree programs have been introduced. This and further measures, like MD/PhD programs or research-based additional study programs serving the scientific qualification of medical students, are the subject of this article.

Development of the competency-based medical curriculum for the new Augsburg University Medical School.

Aim: With the resolution from April 28, 2014, the Bavarian state government in Germany decided to found a new medical school at Augsburg University, thereby requiring the development of a competency-based medical curriculum.Methods: Two interdisciplinary groups developed a spiral curriculum (following Harden) employing the model of Thumser-Dauth & Öchsner. The curriculum focuses on specifically defined competencies: medical expertise, independent scientific reasoning, argumentation and scholarship, as well as communication skills.Results: The spiral curriculum was developed as a hybrid curriculum. Its modular structure incorporates the mandatory subjects required by the German regulations for medical licensure (Approbationsordnung) into organ- and system-centered blocks which are integrated both horizontally and vertically. Basic preclinical sciences are covered in the blocks “Movement,” “Balance” and “Contact.” The clinical sciences are organized according to six pillars (conservative medicine, surgical medicine, men’s-women’s-children’s medicine, the senses, the nervous system and the mind, and general medicine) which students revisit three times each over the course of the program. A longitudinal clinical course incorporates interdisciplinary education. A particular focus is on scientific education encompassing a longitudinal course in the sciences (including interdisciplinary classes with other university departments), block practicums, and two scientific projects.Conclusion: It is not only the degree of integration und intensity of the Augsburg University undergraduate medical degree program, but also its targeted advancement of academic, social and communication skills that have not yet been realized to such an extent elsewhere in Germany. On July 8, 2016, the German Council of Science and Humanities unanimously gave this concept a positive evaluation. Future research will examine and evaluate the Augsburg medical curriculum and the impact of the new medical school on the hospital and university in Augsburg.

The inventory as a core element in the further development of the science curriculum in the Mannheim Reformed Curriculum of Medicine.

Introduction: The German Council of Science and Humanities as well as a number of medical professional associations support the strengthening of scientific competences by developing longitudinal curricula for teaching scientific competences in the undergraduate medical education. The National Competence Based Catalogue of Learning Objectives for Undergraduate Medical Education (NKLM) has also defined medical scientific skills as learning objectives in addition to the role of the scholar. The development of the Mannheim science curriculum started with a systematic inventory of the teaching of scientific competences in the Mannheim Reformed Curriculum of Medicine (MaReCuM). Methods: The inventory is based on the analysis of module profiles, teaching materials, surveys among experts, and verbatims from memory. Furthermore, science learning objectives were defined and prioritized, thus enabling the contents of the various courses to be assigned to the top three learning objectives. Results: The learning objectives systematic collection of information regarding the current state of research, critical assessment of scientific information and data sources, as well as presentation and discussion of the results of scientific studies are facilitated by various teaching courses from the first to the fifth year of undergraduate training. The review reveals a longitudinal science curriculum that has emerged implicitly. Future efforts must aim at eliminating redundancies and closing gaps; in addition, courses must be more closely aligned with each other, regarding both their contents and their timing, by means of a central coordination unit. Conclusion: The teaching of scientific thinking and working is a central component in the MaReCuM. The inventory and prioritization of science learning objectives form the basis for a structured ongoing development of the curriculum. An essential aspect here is the establishment of a central project team responsible for the planning, coordination, and review of these measures.

Prospects of the German Academic Health Science and Health Care System

The German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) wants to strengthen the university health system at the interface of the science and the health care systems. Its recent future-proofing recommendations are 2-fold: a) integrated academic structures, called "profile centers", designed to support joint clinical and research opportunities as well as to offer sustainable career tracks to junior scientists (clinician as well as medical scientists) and b) better financing and negotiating power of university health centers and their respective outpatient departments as agents of innovation and providers in the health care system [1].

On the Unification of Public Pensions in East and West Germany

More than 25 years after German unification, public pensions in East and West Germany are still calculated on the basis of different legally defined variables. This leads to unequal treatments, which are increasingly perceived as inappropriate. All proposals for a unified pension law have certain disadvantages, however. There is no solution which will satisfy all stakeholders. Still, the proposal of the German Council of Economic Experts, outlined and updated in this paper, has several advantages compared to others.

Cities and climate change: How historical legacies shape policy-making in English and German municipalities

This article draws on secondary historical sources and primary interviews to highlight how the legacy of the creation of local governments in England and Germany has significant implications for policy-making in the present day. By employing an institutionalist perspective to analyse how one municipality in each country tries to promote renewable energy and retrofit private housing, it demonstrates how historical factors have resulted in the German Council having more capacity to act hierarchically in local governance arrangements than its English counterpart. These findings have notable implications for how governments at all levels seek to tackle major challenges such as climate change.

Abschaffung der Abgeltungsteuer — gerechter und steuersystematisch einheitlicher?

There is a rising political discussion in Germany around abolishing the final withholding tax on capital income. The German tax reforms that introduced this tax lowered tax rates, in particular on interest income. According to some authors, the growing inequality of income and property is a strong argument for the higher taxation of capital income. However, other authors argue that the neutrality aspects concerning private investment are inadequate. An abolishment of the final withholding tax would not solve these problems and, moreover, would turn back the achieved improvements. Therefore, the German Council of Economic Experts suggests complementing the previous reforms by introducing an allowance for corporate equity.

Consequences of Different Eurobond Proposals in the Eurozone

We analyze economic features and consequences of those Eurobond proposals, which are in our view the most important and the most diverging ones and require different legal changes. These include all three proposals in the green book of the EU-commission, among them the Delpla von Weizsacker proposal, the proposal for pro rata bonds and the proposal to mutualize all debts with joint liability, the proposal of the German council of Economic experts to mutualize all debts of member countries above 60 per cent of their GNP and the proposal of Favero & Missale (2012) for Eurobonds without risk shifting. More specifically, we aim to analyze whether Eurobonds indeed imply the consequences that are often assumed to take place, such as a decreasing interest burden of distressed countries. We ask especially the following questions. Are the above proposals suited to reduce the fiscal burden of a distressed country? Do they promote or reduce reckless lending of creditors and debtors? Do they provide more safe assets in the Eurozone thus strengthening the demand from outside the Eurozone and reduce costs for issuers? Which effect has the expectation of a bail out or “ex post solidarity” (Tirole 2015) with a country in distress to avoid conflagration in other countries?