Since graduating in economics at the University of Innsbruck, Urban Perkmann has been working as a project manager at WIFO – Institute for Economic Research at the Bolzano Chamber of Commerce. Since 2005 he has been in charge of the Studies Department. The focus of his research activities lies in the analysis of the structure and strategic challenges of the South Tyrolean economy. Among other things, he focuses on education and social capital, start-up and succession, competitiveness and location.