This selection of studies discusses potentials and barriers to social and industrial change in Central and Eastern Europe. It is argued that levers of change in today's international setting primarily must be found within the countries themselves. The main themes addressed in the book are firstly the formation of new social classes and institutions regulating social and economic life. Secondly the reshaping of intra-firm as well as inter-firm relations and thirdly links between firms and public authorities including R&D institutions.