National Competitiveness and Economic Growth

经济性状的变化的决定因素ic Performance in the World Economy

New Horizons in Institutional and Evolutionary Economics series

Timo J. Hämäläinen, Sitra Fellow, the Finnish Innovation Fund, Finland

The current paradigm shift in the world economy is challenging the traditional competitiveness and growth theories with their few explanatory variables. This book offers a more holistic framework to synthesise the key findings of the various branches of competitiveness and growth research.

The author illustrates this framework with a new long wave theory of socio-economic development. This theory emphasises the competitiveness and growth benefits of rapid structural adjustment in the rapidly changing techno-economic environment. Based on thorough analysis the author argues that both markets and governments have become less efficient due to the current transformation of the world economy. His empirical data from 22 OECD countries in the 1980s and 1990s illustrates that efficiency and growth-oriented governments have significantly contributed to their countries’ economic success.

‘While scholarly in tone, the discussion is so relevant to what is taking place on the world stage today that readers are drawn into carefully reading and considering implications of prevailing socioeconomic factors on corporate and national competitiveness and on the global economy.’
– Jan Sykes, Business Information Alert

‘This is the most complete study available of the historical paradigm shift which is transforming the political and economic makeup of societies across the globe. It is a rich demonstration of why we need holistic, systematic, and interdisciplinary perspectives in order to understand the changes taking place in the world’s political economy.’
– J. Rogers Hollingsworth, University of Wisconsin, Madison, US

‘At a time when globalisation is causing many economists to wonder about the effectiveness of national policies, it is salutary to find a book which points to many ways in which nations may regain some degrees of freedom by enhancing their national competitiveness. This is all the more encouraging when the author of that book comes from Finland, a small country which has, however, been rather successful in upgrading its technology and skills and competing effectively in world markets without abandoning progressive social policies. Moreover, he is an author who is very well aware of the new paradigm in technology which has thoroughly changed the nature of the competitive environment. Just as Nokia is an example of a firm which was able to adapt its structure, its technology and its behaviour from an old paradigm to a new one, so this book shows how nations can embark on this process also. However, the book is not mainly about Finland nor is the message parochial or purely national. The analysis is thoroughly international and it merits study by readers in every country.’
– Christopher Freeman, SPRU – Science and Technology Policy Research, University of Sussex, UK and Maastricht University, The Netherlands