Autor: Alfred Barth

Unemployment constitutes a danger for the economic, political and social stability of a country. This paper presents the development of a model which can help to demonstrate the most important opportunities to influence unemployment at three levels: at the level of the general political framework, at a corporate level as well as at an individual level. Subsequently, empirical data is presented which provides a clear indication of the effect of economic clusters in promoting employment. On this basis, measures to support the formation of economic clusters are developed.

Cooperations are an important strategic alternative to further the competitiveness of enterprises. This paper explores on alliance capabilities and readiness when entering into cooperations with other enterprises. These variables are represented in a descriptive and explanatory model. This model is the basis for the recommendations suggesting possible ways to enhance the willingness of enterprises to enter cooperations and how to develop the necessary alliance capabilities to ensure their success.