Introduction -- Theoretical and Contextual Frameworks -- Statistical Analysis of Latecomers’ Innovations in Time of Crisis -- Case Studies of Two Latecomer Firms: Methodology -- Case Study of TENARIS -- Case Study of IMPSA -- Conclusions.

We use the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 to show that personal relationships which individuals maintain for non-economic reasons can be an important determinant of regional economic growth. We show that West German households who have social ties to East Germany in 1989 experience a persistent...