Cultural Imprinting: Ancient Origins of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Germany

Michael Fritsch, Martin Obschonka (), Fabian Wahl and Michael Wyrwich
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Martin Obschonka: Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

No 2021-012, Jena Economics Research Papers from Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena

Abstract: A region’s present-day economic performance can be deeply anchored in historical factors. We provide the first systematic evidence of a deep imprinting effect in the context of Roman rule in the south-western part of Germany nearly 2,000 years ago. Our analysis reveals that regions in the former Roman part of Germany show a stronger entrepreneurship and innovation culture today, evident by higher levels of quantity and quality entrepreneurship and innovation. The data indicate that this lasting 'Roman effect' was constituted by the early establishment of interregional social and economic exchange and related infrastructure. Our findings thus help in unpacking the hidden cultural roots of present-day economic performance, with important implications for research and economic policy.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship; innovation; historical roots; Romans; Limes (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I31 N9 O1 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021-08-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cul, nep-cwa, nep-ent, nep-evo, nep-gro, nep-his, nep-ino, nep-isf, nep-sbm and nep-ure
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:jrp:jrpwrp:2021-012

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