Institutions, Innovation and Growth

Selected Economic Papers

The Cournot Centre series

Edited by Jean-Philippe Touffut, Director, Cournot Centre, Paris, France

The first book in this important new series, under the general editorship of Nobel Laureate Robert Solow, Institutions, Innovation and Growth assembles a stellar cast of international contributors. Leading economists join the debate on innovation and economic growth, focussing on a broad spectrum of issues ranging from labour markets to corporate governance. Growth paths within the OECD are also assessed, with particular emphasis on contrasts between US and European models. The book seeks to identify those institutional factors, taking into account different national trajectories, which might serve to promote economic growth in Europe.

‘The book contains an impressive collection of essays addressing the "deeper causes" of economic growth, including of course technological and organisational factors. The analyses are inspiring and sometimes appropriately controversial. The contributions offer suggestive links between the economies of innovation and institution-centred interpretations.’
– Giovanni Dosi, St Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy

‘While interest in innovation and economic growth has exploded in the economics literature in recent years, the role of institutions has been largely overlooked. With publication of this book, Jean-Philippe Touffut brings together a leading group of international scholars to provide a path-breaking rigorous analysis of the links between institutions, innovative activity and economic growth. The conclusions from the volume are unequivocal – not only do institutions matter in shaping economic growth, but also their impact can be understood in a systematic and predictable manner.’
– David B. Audretsch, Indiana University, Bloomington, US and Otto Beisheim School WHU, Germany

‘This book contains informed and informing contributions by noted scholars on innovation and growth – surely the most critical topics for economic welfare in the long run. The essays will be most satisfying to students and others seeking greater relevance in the analytic materials of our literature.’
– William J. Baumol, New York University, US and Princeton University, US