The economic structure of the largest East German cities: economic differences increase
Cordula Winkler
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 2,
2004
Abstract
Especially large cities come into appearance within the field of interregional competition, while trying to attract enterprises and mobile production factors. Against this background, the paper examines the economic stage of development of the largest East German cities. In addition to the actual situation we have a look at the development of cities since the middle of the 90ies. Relating to the actual economic situation, the findings show great economic differences between cities. Nevertheless, none of the large cities have taken on a leading position for all considered indicators. Instead of this each large city has its own specific strengths and weaknesses – compared with the other large cities as well as compared with East Germany on the whole. In addition, a comparison with the situation in 1995 shows, that the degree of differentiation between cities has increased. This development goes along with a strengthening of specific economic profiles, particularly in smaller large cities.
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The Olympic Games raise hopes for regional development policy: Economic effects of the infrastructure investments planned for the Olympic Games in 2012 in Leipzig
Peter Franz, Franz Kronthaler
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 7,
2003
Abstract
Together with the cities of Chemnitz, Dresden, Halle and Riesa the East German city of Leipzig has applied as venue for the Olympic Games 2012. With its application Leipzig competed with four economically by far stronger West German cities (Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg). On April 12, 2003 the National Olympic Committee had to elect the national candidate for 2012 out of this bundle of five applying cities and nominated Leipzig. With the organization of this big event the city of Leipzig and its partner cities expect a strong impulse for regional development. This study tries to estimate the potential economic effects of the planned investment with regard to infrastructure. Important results: Regarding directly the job effects connected with the investment and development of the infrastructure about 3,500 additional jobs are to be expected for a period of ten years. The infrastructure investment planned so far for the Olympiad will contribute only partially to eliminate important infrastructural bottlenecks in the region. Nevertheless the planned infrastructure facilities would have the effect that the new ‘olympia region Leipzig’ would remain attractive also after 2012 as venue for large sport events.
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Regional economic effects of hosting the Olympic Games 2012 in Leipzig and its partner towns - An analysis of infrastructure investments
Peter Franz, Franz Kronthaler
IWH-Sonderhefte,
No. 1,
2003
Abstract
Together with the cities of Chemnitz, Dresden, Halle and Riesa the East German city of Leipzig has applied as venue for the Olympic Games 2012. With its application Leipzig competed with four economically by far stronger West German cities (Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg). On April 12, 2003 the National Olympic Committee had to elect the national candidate for 2012 out of this bundle of five applying cities and nominated Leipzig. With the organization of this big event the city of Leipzig and its partner cities expect a strong impulse for regional development. This study tries to estimate the potential economic effects of the planned investment with regard to infrastructure. Important results: Regarding directly the job effects connected with the investment and development of the infrastructure about 3,500 additional jobs are to be expected for a period of ten years. The infrastructure investment planned so far for the Olympiad will contribute only partially to eliminate important infrastructural bottlenecks in the region. Nevertheless the planned infrastructure facilities would have the effect that the new ‘olympia region Leipzig’ would remain attractive also after 2012 as venue for large sport events.
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Comparable types of regions in East and West Germany show disparities – East German urban agglomerations have difficulties!
Gerhard Heimpold, Martin T. W. Rosenfeld
Wirtschaft im Wandel,
No. 15,
2002
Abstract
A discussion about the reform of regional policy in Germany and in the EU is ongoing. Against this background the article investigates the regional disparities between similar types of regions in East and West Germany after reunification. The findings do not only show a general East-West gap of economic welfare and of their determinants but also a visible spatial differentiation. It shows that the East German agglomerations have disadvantages in the field of interregional competition. They are worse endowed with crucial growth determinants compared with their West German counterparts, whereas the East-West differences for urbanized regions (where the population density is medium-sized) and rural regions are smaller. The disadvantages stated suggest a stronger concentration of regional policy in favour of these agglomerated spaces targeted on improving the locational attractiveness and strengthening their function as driving forces of the economic catch-up process in East Germany.
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