Innovation and maintaining competence in regional networks - Transformations in the German watch industry from 1975 to the present day (Inno-Uhren)

In both East and West Germany, the clock and watch industry was an important sector after 1945 in several respects: It had a considerable macroeconomic impact, was strongly export-oriented and innovative. The research project is dedicated to the development of the entire German clock and watch industry and individual companies from the mid-1970s to the present day, considering the far-reaching transformations and crises induced by market, technology and the economic system in an interdisciplinary approach. Since the mid-1970s the clock and watch industry in both German states has been in a state of various crises. In both the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR a crisis ultimately threatening the industry occurred, culminating in the GDR in the market exit of the formerly nationalized watch industry as a result of the transformation crisis after 1989/90. In the post-reunification era, a partial revival of the East German watch industry was achieved in Glashütte, a region rich in tradition. In the West, the industry crisis, some of which is still latent today, was overcome with varying degrees of success: While some companies did not survive the crisis economically, others managed a partially successful adjustment after a difficult transition phase.

The object of research is how the responsible actors - both within the company and in overarching networks - recognise, interpret and, if necessary, manage crises in the West and East, and under what conditions they fail. The approach to these complex questions will be based on an examination of different perceptions of crises and different strategies of crisis reaction. Three concrete complexes are at the centre of research: firstly, successful or failed innovation projects by companies; secondly, successful or failed development of competence and its maintenance; and thirdly, the relevant innovation and support networks.