The existence of adequate numbers of self-employed persons is regarded as crucial for effective competition. The decline of self-employment which could be registered in all the Western industrialized countries has therefore given rise to concern. This article analyses the corresponding trends...

Youth unemployment has been on the rise since the beginning of the crisis in 2008. Even more troublesome is the dramatic rise in the number of youth not in employment, education or training, which has led to widespread concerns about the impact on social cohesion and fears of a “lost...

Although the youth unemployment ratio in Germany may appear low compared to other countries, it is regarded a severe economic and social problem. There is no doubt that it is an especially gross form of waste of resources and “disinvestment” of human capital. In the long run no country can...