The two essays in this volume can be termed essential building blocks for constructing a systematic approach toward a theory of economic growth. Drawing on his noted quantitative studies of modern economic growth, Professor Kuznets presents his views on the complex growth process and analyzes the implications of such specific factors as population, urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, and trade between nations. He discusses the relationship of social and political structure to economic processes, and how economic growth is affected by international relations as well as by the internal conditions of the society.

This book makes the bold attempt at proposing a new general theory of economic development. The main premise is that economic institutions and policies must embody ‘economic discrimination’ if there is to be any chance of real economic development. By economic discrimination, the author means ‘treating differences differently’ by selecting and supporting economic entities and behaviour that contribute positively to the economy. The book identifies markets, government and corporations as the ‘holy trinity of economic development’, that is, the three most important institutions that must work together via economic discrimination to steer the economy towards real transformative progress. The book also warns against the current trend of economic egalitarianism or ‘not treating differences differently’ because it destroys economic incentives and results in an array of economic problems including growth stagnation.

"Papers ... of a seminar held at Dartmouth College in July and August of 1956." Includes bibliographical references. Mercantilist and physiocratic growth theory, by J.J. Spengler.--Adam Smith and David Ricardo on economic growth, by J.M. Letiche.--The theory of economic growth in the English classical school, by E. McKinley.--John Stuart Mill on economic development, by J.J. Spengler.--Toward a theory of economic growth: the neoclassical contribution, by J. Buttrick.--Theories of stages of economic growth, by B.F. Hoselitz.--Contemporary theorizing on economic growth, by H.J. Bruton.

Institutions, the humanly devised constraints of economic activity, are outcomes of elite agency. Leveraging ideas from economics, sociology, politics, and strategic management, this book proposes an 'elite theory of economic development'. The overarching goal is to foster sustainable value creation at the elite business model level. This work also aims to contribute to transformational leadership, and links are made to the annual Elite Quality Index (EQx), a measure of the value creation of national elites. Presents a theory of society, the economy, and the way the world actually is. Provides lucid analysis on elites and their contribution to economic and human development. Suggests practical frameworks and measurements for sustainable value creation and appropriation.