"The impact of multinational enterprises on local labor markets: What drives the effect on domestic workers?"

This study examine the impact of multinational enterprises (MNEs) on wages and employment in domestic firms, using detailed administrative data from the Netherlands. I find that an increase in the employment share of MNEs in a region leads to higher wages for newly hired workers in domestic firms, while firm size and profits decline. As a mechanism, I analyze how MNEs’ access to foreign labor markets mediates local wage dynamics.

"Optimizing recycling systems: Consumer preferences and effectiveness"

Excessive waste production is a significant global challenge, prompting governments to implement recycling campaigns. While research has focused on product-specific features influencing recycling behavior and the effects of different recycling options on resource use, little attention has been given to the effectiveness of various recycling systems. These systems vary in complexity and category specificity, making it essential to understand how these factors impact recycling outcomes.

In four preregistered studies, the authors examined consumer preferences for and the effectiveness of simpler recycling systems, which consolidate recyclables into two categories, versus more complex systems that separate materials into multiple categories. Study 1, with 150 participants, revealed a preference for simpler systems (two or three bins) over a complex six-bin system, with participants predicting greater community acceptance and effectiveness for the simpler configurations. Study 2 (N = 189 students) compared a simple two-bin system to a complex five-bin system, showing that while the complex system reduced the tendency to waste (forgone opportunities to recycle recyclable items), it also increased overinclusive recycling, where non-recyclables were incorrectly categorized as recyclable. Study 3 ( N = 300) introduced a more specific labeling condition in the simple system, finding that while tendency to waste did not significantly differ, overinclusive recycling was affected. Study 4, involving 802 participants, tested an intervention allowing users to consult recycling guidelines, which effectively reduced both tendency to waste and overinclusive recycling, especially in simple systems.

The findings indicate that consumers prefer simpler recycling systems, but enhancing their effectiveness through accessible recycling guidelines—like QR codes on bins—can provide a practical and scalable solution. Overall, this research highlights the complexities of consumer behavior in recycling and suggests that targeted interventions can significantly improve recycling effectiveness.