Entrepreneurs, Enterprises and Innovations in Pécs in the Time of the Dual Monarchy

Abstract

THE AIMS OF THE PAPER

To examine how the 19^th century economic modernisation (Western type of industrialisation, technological transformation and the birth of the manufacturing industry) unfolded in Central Europe; and more importantly in Hungary, in Pécs, and what technological innovations were created by local entrepreneurs.  

METHODOLOGY

Literature review including the history of the manufacturing industry. We involved sources from monographies, employment and census records, reminiscences and our own data from researches of archives. The research framework is the history of distinct businesses. We introduced five businesses whose economic effects influenced the operations of Pécs in the long run. We made a structural analysis examining the entrepreneur and its business together.

MOST IMPORTANT RESULTS

The Austrian First-Danube-Steamboat-Shipping Company (DDSG) became the largest works in the city by starting the intensive coal mining and creating modern technological background since 1852. It employed four thousand souls in the beginning of the 20^th century and the city profited a lot from its developments (railway construction and electric power plant). The Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory has quickly become the synonym of Pécs. Vilmos Zsolnay ended up being a world famous entrepreneur because of his technological innovations (eosin, pyrogranite, etc…) and products. The term „Glove of Pécs” came alive in the ages of the dual monarchy. János Hamerli founded the first glove manufacturing plant in the country. The Angster Organs have being played for hundred and fifty years. The company founded by József Angster emerged at the end of the 19^th century and represented state of art technology. The multitalented Adolf Engel’s businesses aided the spa culture (Balokány), the wood industry, the construction industry and the coal mining at Komló.

ECONOMIC POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

The innovations and the economic development were promoted by the dominant policy of the era, the economic liberalism; the liberal entrepreneur environment, the huge market of the Dual Monarchy, the technological creativity and the increase in the populations’ needs.

Acknowledgements: This publication/research has been supported by the European Union and Hungary and co-financed by the European Social Fund through the project EFOP-3.6.2-16-2017-00017, titled "Sustainable, intelligent and inclusive regional and city models".