Entrepreneurs, Enterprises and Innovation in Pécs (1850–1914)

Abstract

The purpose of the study. To examine how the 19th 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, at Pécs, and what technological innovations were created by local entrepreneurs. Applied methods. 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. Outcomes. The Austrian First-Danube-Steamboat-Shipping Company (DDSG) became the largest works in the city by starting intensive coal mining and creating modern technological background since 1852. It employed four thousand souls at the beginning of the 20th century and the city profited a lot from its developments (railway construction and electric power plant). The Zsolnay Porcelain Manufactory quickly became 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 played for hundred and fifty years. The company founded by József Angster emerged at the end of the 19th century and represented state of art technology.