This paper discusses the introduction and implementation of ISO 9000 qualitystandards in the German and French car industry. Rather than a transfer of a set ofconcrete, well-understood rules, which are ready to be implemented, the paperargues, the quality standards have to be reconstructed and...

The paper examines the relationship between supplier network organization and regional economic development. A distinctive feature of the German economy is theexistence of a large and productive base of small and medium companies,commonly called the Mittelstand. Chambers of Commerce, trade...