Promotionsausschuss:

Vorsitzender: Prof. Dr. Stefan Müller, Technische Universität Berlin

Berichter: Prof. Dr. Knut Blind, Technische Universität Berlin

Berichter: Prof. Dr. Tobias Kretschmer, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität

Berichter: Prof. Dr. Yann Ménière, Cerna, Center of Industrial Economics

This dissertation was only possible due to the help of several people that supported me during

my PhD. In this section I would like to thank them.

First of all I have to thank my supervisor Knut Blind. Knut inspired and supported my work

over the last three years. He was there when I needed new ideas and advice for my research.

He guided me through the world of research introducing me to his academic network. He was

patient and always trusted in my skills. Knut has established a great atmosphere in our

research department. He sets an example for an easy but respectful way of managing our

team.

I would like to thank the whole team of the Chair of Innovation Economics at the TU Berlin.

Jorge F. Dias Braganca de Goncalves, Annika Philipps, Gero Stenke, Birgit Trogisch, Mike

Weber, Eva Wachsen, Arfan Bakhtiar, Mirko Böhm, Damiano Albrecht, Benjamin Brand,

Achim Brose, Christian Burmann, Lennart Döring, Jonas Gößling, Jacob Müller, Carla Pilz,

Dominik Grony ,Maciej Paluszynski,

Tewes, Susanne Wollin-Giering, Falk Mazelis, Marius Renz and Karina Zittel

I am also grateful for the hospitality of the Parisian team at Cerna, Center of industrial

economics MINES ParisTech. I spend several research visits at Cerna, working and

discussing with the research team in Paris. In particular, I would like to thank my co-author

Justus Baron. Working with him was always enriching in many ways. Our cooperation on

several topics enhanced my skills and understanding of different research methods. He further

well as the faculty members Matthieu Glachant, François Lévêque and Sesaria Ferreira.

I also would like to thank Peter Neuhäusler for the cooperation on a research project. Working

with him was always enriching. Thanks for the good cooperation and a good time in

Washington DC and Berlin.

I have to say thanks to Jeffrey Nickerson and Michael zur Muehlen who supervised me during

my stay as a visiting scholar at the Stevens Institute of Technology NJ, USA. Both supported

my stay and gave me advice for my research. I also thank Yegin Genc for the cooperation on

our research at the SIT.

Many thanks go to my friends who were always interested in my work and motivated me

during the last years. I would also like to thank my parents Bettina and Norbert as well as my