Catching-up Modernization: Synthetic Fiber in East Germany and Poland

This chapter examines two synthetic fiber plants: one in Guben, East Germany, and one in Gorzów, Poland. Both plants were subject to central planning, exhibited rapid output growth, and relied mainly on Western technology imports to keep pace with international standards. Over the course of the transformation period, both plants were forced to significantly reduce their workforce and product range but managed to survive. Considerable similarities can be observed in the development of the two plants. The chapter explores the following three questions: What kind of modernization barriers did both plants encounter? Were there specific differences between the two synthetic fiber plants? In which ways did these conditions influence the further development path of both plants in the transformation period? Particular attention is given to investments, technology, workforce, and innovation.