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Good Institutions are not enough: Ongoing Challenges of East German Development

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  • Wendy Carlin

Abstract

A major theme in accounts of the transitional recession and delayed convergence in post-communist economies is the role of institutions. Yet via unification, East Germany had immediate access to credible, high quality institutions. This paper argues that success in a capitalist economy depends not only on high quality institutions but also on finding one’s niche in the international division of labour. East Germany’s experience highlights the long shadow cast by the period under communism over the economy’s ability to find its comparative advantage in tradeables on a scale adequate for self-sustaining growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Wendy Carlin, 2010. "Good Institutions are not enough: Ongoing Challenges of East German Development," CESifo Working Paper Series 3204, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_3204
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    File URL: https://www.cesifo.org/DocDL/cesifo1_wp3204.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Prados de la Escosura, Leandro, 1995. "Growth and Macroeconomic Performance in Spain, 1939-93," CEPR Discussion Papers 1104, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Crafts,Nicholas & Toniolo,Gianni (ed.), 1996. "Economic Growth in Europe since 1945," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521499644, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabrisch, Hubert, 2014. "The binding constraint on growth in less developed Western Balkan countries," MPRA Paper 60020, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. repec:ces:ifodic:v:9:y:2011:i:1:p:15790748 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Mauro, Luciano & Pigliaru, Francesco & Carmeci, Gaetano, 2023. "Decentralization, social capital, and regional growth: The case of the Italian North-South divide," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).
    4. Wendy Carlin, 2011. "Good Institutions are not Enough: Ongoing Challenges of Eastern German Development," ifo DICE Report, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 9(01), pages 28-34, May.
    5. Mauro, Luciano & Pigliaru, Francesco, 2013. "Decentralization, Social Capital and Regional Convergence," Economy and Society 151534, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    6. Marta Gotz, 2010. "Problems of Economic Development in Reunified Germany. Retrospective Approach," Contemporary Economics, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw., vol. 4(2), June.
    7. Andrea Boltho, 2011. "Italy, Germany, Japan: From Economic Miracles to Virtual Stagnation," Quaderni di storia economica (Economic History Working Papers) 14, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    8. Fochesato, Mattia, 2018. "Origins of Europe’s north-south divide: Population changes, real wages and the ‘little divergence’ in early modern Europe," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 91-131.
    9. Francesco Pigliaru & Luciano Mauro, 2011. "Social Capital, Institutions and Growth: Further Lessons from the Italian Regional Divide," ERSA conference papers ersa11p1866, European Regional Science Association.
    10. Wendy Carlin, 2011. "Good Institutions are not Enough: Ongoing Challenges of Eastern German Development," ifo DICE Report, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich, vol. 9(1), pages 28-34, 05.
    11. Paul Hare & Richard Stoneman, 2017. "The Evolving Architecture of Europe: Functioning or Dysfunctional for the Twenty-First Century?," Comparative Economic Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Association for Comparative Economic Studies, vol. 59(4), pages 433-471, December.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    transition; institutions; East Germany; tradeables; convergence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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