Martin Assmann

At the Ludwigs Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), I specialized in innovation economics, exploring how innovation shapes the world and how regulation, competition, and government influence its course. Both my seminar papers and bachelor’s thesis delved into these dynamics, examining the forces that drive progress and the policies that steer it.

My bachelor’s thesis "The Innovation Impact of Increasing Trade with China" was written under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Monika Schnitzer, who now is the chairwoman of the German Council of Economic Experts, advising the chancellor on economic matters and Prof. Markus Nagler.

It examined how increasing trade with China impacted innovation in the US and Europe. By analysing key data and research studies, I explored why European firms saw a boost in innovation from Chinese competition, while US firms experienced a decline. The research highlights how trade policy, market structures, and firm adaptability shape innovation in a globalized economy.

It was awarded a distinction, with the main critique being that it was "too journalistic" in style, prompting me to reconsider if journalism might be something for me after all (it is).

My seminar paper was written under the supervision of Dr. Zhaoxin Pu at the Max Planck Institute for Innovation and Competition for the office of Prof. Dr. Schnitzer.

My seminar paper "Obstacles to Collaborative Innovation" examined how geographic distance and digital networks impact scientific collaboration. By analysing key studies, I explored how colocation significantly boosts collaboration rates, while internet networks help bridge distances, they couldn’t fully replace in-person interaction. The research highlights how search costs—finding the right research partner—pose a greater challenge than execution costs acoss distances, shaping the way innovation develops across institutions.

My first seminar paper was written under the supervision of  Dr. Björn Kauder and Dr. Marcus Drometer at and for the Ifo Institute Munich.

My seminar paper, "Incentive Effect from Equalization Transfers on Business Tax", examined how fiscal equalization policies influence local business tax rates in Germany. By analyzing key economic studies, I explored how municipalities adjust tax rates in response to equalization transfers, with a focus on cases from Baden-Württemberg and Lower Saxony. The research highlights how well-designed fiscal policies can balance tax autonomy with fair competition, shaping local government incentives and economic growth.