Ronald Wittenzellner
Doctoral candidate at the Center for Applied Research in Responsible Innovation (CARRI).
Ronald Wittenzellner studied Applied Economics at Deggendorf University of Applied Sciences and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He also holds a master's degree in Strategic & International Management and in International Business from the University of Sunshine Coast (AU). To date, he has applied his specialist knowledge in areas including Market & Liquidity Risk at Allianz and Business Development at the Stuttgart Digital Exchange, where he also passed his professional qualification examination as a stockbroker.
Topic: The significance of the BRICS countries in international trade – an empirical analysis
Principal supervisor: Prof. Dr. Oliver Hülsewig
I am conducting research on the topic ‘The significance of the BRICS countries in international trade – an empirical analysis’. The BRICS countries originally comprised the major emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China. However, further countries have since joined the group. To this end, I will primarily examine the economic interdependencies of the BRICS economies using dynamic gravity models. The aim is to identify the factors influencing trade relations amongst the BRICS countries and to draw conclusions regarding the competitiveness of the BRICS in international trade. Furthermore, I plan to analyse the relationship between the BRICS countries’ foreign exchange reserves and the structure of their international trade relations using Granger causality tests.
My interest in China and the BRICS alliance was first sparked in 2019 during my exchange semester in Hong Kong, which was marked in particular by the serious unrest that followed the student protests. Since then, the subject has remained close to my heart, as I believe that China’s economic rise and the BRICS, in particular, are of crucial importance to the German economy and social prosperity here in Germany.
At CARRI, I find the perfect combination of outstanding support, professional integrity and excellent problem-solving skills. Furthermore, HM’s excellent reputation and network represent a valuable opportunity for my future career.
My initial search for a supervisor for my dissertation in the field of economics, as well as my first contact with Prof. Dr. Hülsewig, took place in early March 2024 via the CARRI office. From the very beginning, Mr Hülsewig was open to my topic, and I am very pleased with the expert and trusting guidance he has provided.
In my view, one thing is particularly important when drafting the research proposal at the outset: read, read and read again. You should get a feel for the subject area you wish to research, the current state of research in that field, and which methodology is best suited to this context. It took several months from the first draft to the final polish.
As well as working on my dissertation itself, I am particularly looking forward to engaging with new people and, in doing so, forging new contacts and valuable relationships for the future.