Extended workbench instead of East German industry

Since reunification, an independent, research-intensive industry has hardly established itself in East Germany, but above all assembly halls of large corporations that look like extended arms of western or international mother houses. This development is deeply painful because it is the dream of a vital, innovative region in a reality of dependence and fragilityhas transformed. The glass manufactory in Dresden is an example of this path: Started as a glorious prestige project, it ended in production changes and shutdowns, which show how quickly such islands fall victim to the will of the Group.

Banged Combines and Lost Know-How

After reunification, former GDR combines were often ruthlessly smashed, systems for ridiculous prices were sold or shut down, as if it were scrap instead of lively production facilities. Local supplier networks that had grown decades fell apart like houses of cards and with them technical know-how disappeared, which had been laboriously built up. Instead of preservation and modernizationThe logic of cheap demolition, which deprived entire regions of its industrial substance, and created a vacuum, into which only a few large investors could enter, triumphed.

Assembly instead of innovation

West German and international corporations usually only invested in assembly and finishing in eastern locations, because wages are lower and areas are cheaper here. Research, development and our own supplier industry remained located on the western or global level, so that East Germany became a pure extension of foreign workbenches. This dependency hits hard, because with every slump in demand orGroup restructuring the locations first – dismissed workers, empty halls and no innovative strength of their own as a buffer.

Lack of industrial ecosystems

In many regions there is a lack of dense networks of specialized suppliers, research institutions and venture capital, which carry a sustainable industry. Settlements remain isolated islands, without any surroundings, making them susceptible to external shocks. Without these ecosystems, there is no broad added value, and East Germany is lagging behind, clusters are thriving elsewheresynergies and growth.

Short-term Group strategies and prestige

Large corporations act market-oriented and short-term: Prestige projects lure with show and jobs, but when they are rebuilt or cost pressure, they fall first. The glass manufactory embodies this: gloss start, repeated changes, then off for series production. Such investments create sham blooms that fall back into emptiness at the first slump and regions.

Structural obstacles to complexes

High energy costs, bureaucratic growths and infrastructural holes such as lame grid expansion and poor internet connections are driving the demanding industry. Long-term investments involve excessive risks here, and future sectors avoid East Germany because there are no basic conditions. This neglect seems like sabotage to one’s own future.

Fragile employment structure

The total dependence on a few large investors makes employment fragile: In the case of strategic turns or cost pressure, locations are shrinking, resilience does not occur. Regions dance to the whistle of external decision-makers, without their own strength, which nourishes the cycle of hope and disappointment.

Missed opportunities for independence

Instead of broad, innovative value creation, assembly that can be switched off at any time dominates. East Germany is losing know-how, networks and future opportunities because politicians and investors rely on low-cost wages instead of sustainable ecosystems. This half-heartedness perpetuates dependence and prevents a real departure.