German industries May 15 2002 The German economy, hard hit by last year's global downturn, is showing early signs of recovery and industrialists hope the prospects for longer-term economic reform will improve after September's national elections. Overview - Nation looks for a follow-up to its miracle - Shareholder democracy gets a bigger say - Strikes put a spotlight on jobs as a key election isssue - A region in need of all the help it can get Profiles - 'Sleeping jewel' gets an image lift - Firmer grip as the going gets tough - Tough times but confident about future prospects - Pushing the fashion appeal Sectors - Small companies lose touch with their banks - The search for drinking partners - Even large groups start to wobble