How competitive is the UK economy? Is it capable of responding successfully to shocks emanating from abroad? The five case studies prepared for this volume identify the main problem areas which currently affect the ability of the UK to sustain a competitive international position.

Examines the importance of place and its relationship to the quality of public life in the context of those northern states (e.g. Montana) whose settlement marked the end of the old frontier. Also generally questions, in terms of the Jeffersonian democratic ideal, the relationship between cities and rural areas and between politics and economics. Ten papers, revised from their presentation at an October 1989 meeting in Reading, England, explore the various economic policies of the British government since 1900, from nonintervention to nationalism to privatization and deregulation, and their effect on such industries as agriculture, oil, banking, and manufacturing. They find the policies ineffectual and inconsistent compared to those in other countries. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This new and substantially revised edition of Britain's Economic Performance provides a unique assessment of the current state of the supply-side of the economy. Written by a team of highly experienced, policy oriented applied economists, this volume will be a valuable source of reference, analysis and guidance for students and policy-makers.

The Political Economy of Competitiveness offers an original perspective on the relationship between economic theory and policy. It places the issues within an accessible political economy perspective. Rejecting the narrowness of mainstream economics the authors deploy an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of economic growth, placing it in its historical and political context. Issues covered include: * trade theory and policy * industrial decline and policy * markets, competition and innovation * globalisation, unemployment and government policy. The book provides a valuable guide to the major economic policy issues for both economists and business students.

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. National Competitiveness and Economic Growth will furnish its readers with a better understanding of the interdependencies of many important but seemingly unrelated aspects of modern economies and societies, for example the dynamics of business and technology, and cultural and institutional change. It will appeal to economists, business professionals and policymakers with a special interest in the competitiveness and growth of firms and national economies as well as the long-term development of socio-economic systems.