Among other things, the two researchers had investigated how efficiently state export credit insurance companies operate, particularly in European countries. For the benchmarking, the IfTI researchers developed a value-added-oriented evaluation model, whose elements are based on scientifically recognized analytical procedures.

In the model, efficiency scores were determined using data envelopment analysis and verified and supplemented using exploratory-qualitative methods. At the invitation of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, Professor Andreas Klasen and Professor Mathias Bärtl presented publicly available research results to the Interministerial Committee of the Federal Government on Export Credit Guarantees.

Background: In two international projects, the Offenburg scientists, together with Canadian government consultants from International Financial Consulting, had analyzed the performance of “EKF Denmark’s Export Credit Agency”. EKF is the official state export credit agency of Denmark. The Danish government uses it, among other things, to provide exporters and investors with financing as well as credit and investment insurance. The aim is to support companies doing business abroad.