Land im Wandel

The book takes the reader on a nearly 70-year journey through the recent economic history of Saarland. Profound structural crises, remarkable successes in settlement, and extreme budgetary emergencies have shaped this period, as has the development of an internationally influential research landscape and the enhancement of the location. In a dynamic interplay of economic successes and sometimes severe setbacks, the region has impressively demonstrated its ability to undergo structural change. This capability will need to be relied upon in the future, as it faces enormous challenges once again. To successfully navigate these challenges, the author recommends a joint effort focused on a future program that envisions the development of the region into a lean, efficient, and investment-strong federal state with streamlined administrative structures.

About the author: Volker Giersch has always been closely involved in the economic developments of the region throughout his career – initially spending five years in the State Chancellery, followed by 37 years at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Saarland, where he served as the Chief Executive Officer from 2000 to 2015. As the long-time managing director of the funding company ZPT/Saaris, he actively contributed to innovation promotion, technology transfer, the establishment of industry networks, and Saarland marketing.