The Jimdo-ifo Business Climate Index for Self-Employed and Micro-Enterprises

One of the main objectives for the composition of the ifo Business Survey panel was a high coverage of the gross value added in all sectors of the economy (Section 2.7). Thus, self-employed persons as well as micro-enterprises (two to nine employees) tended to be underrepresented or not represented at all in many sectors. They are generally not considered to be a driving force for cyclical macroeconomic developments. Nevertheless, they play an important role in general economic activity. They often cover tasks that are rarely or not at all provided by large companies. In addition, micro-enterprises and self-employed can be a driver for innovation and rapid growth. Start-ups are therefore actively promoted by economic policy.