Restructuring Networks in Post-Socialism

This book explores social and economic change in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on how post-socialist actors restructure organizations by redefining resources and leveraging social networks, highlighting their evolutionary potential.

"Restructuring Networks in Post-Socialism" explores the transformative changes occurring in Central and Eastern Europe following the shift from socialist to market economies. It delves into the broader implications of social and economic change, challenging the prevailing "transition framework" that often evaluates organizational structures based on their alignment with established capitalist models. Instead, the book emphasizes the innovative approaches that emerge from necessity as individuals and organizations navigate this complex landscape.

The authors focus on how actors in the post-socialist context are actively restructuring organizations and institutions by redefining and recombining resources. This perspective shifts the narrative from viewing these adaptations as mere deviations from the norm to recognizing their evolutionary potential. By examining the ways in which social networks facilitate entrepreneurship, the book argues that the true unit of entrepreneurial activity lies not in isolated individuals but in the interconnected relationships among firms and their stakeholders.

Drawing on insights from evolutionary economics and contemporary network analysis, the contributors—comprising sociologists, economists, and political scientists—present empirical findings from various countries, including Hungary, Poland, Eastern Germany, Russia, and the Czech Republic. Through this multidisciplinary approach, "Restructuring Networks in Post-Socialism" provides a nuanced understanding of how social and economic transformations are reshaping the region, highlighting the importance of collaboration and resource recombination in fostering resilience and innovation in the face of change.