Governments in developed and developing economies have increasingly turned to entrepreneurship and small businesses for economic growth, dynamism and economic and social inclusion. Policies seeking to encourage, support or otherwise influence these forms of economic activity are varied but virtually omnipresent, recommended by organisations such as the OECD and World Bank and implemented by governments of many political ideologies. With a range of activities across government labelled as enterprise policy, it is vital to unpick the different policies, initiatives and interventions and to understand their development in order to subject them to scrutiny and evaluate the actions taken in the name of enterprise.

This book provides the first in-depth, historical analysis of enterprise policy in the United Kingdom. Successive UK governments have been particularly active, with the number of initiatives estimated recently at 3000 and expenditure reaching as high as GBP12bn, yet facing continuous criticisms for its use, value or relevance. This historical study of UK enterprise policy represents a case study of different forms of enterprise policy and how they have developed, or failed to develop, over time, contributing to understanding of government, small business and entrepreneurship. It will be of value to researchers, academics, policymakers, and students interested in the history of small business and entrepreneurship as well as standing as a history of a specific policy area and the ways in which policies involving many different areas of government develop over time.

About the Author

Oliver Mallett in an Associate Professor in Work and Employment at the University of Stirling, Scotland. Oliver's research interests relate to employment relationships in small businesses and to government and private sector support for small businesses.

Robert Wapshott is a Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at the University of Sheffield, UK, where he is a member of the Centre for Regional Economic and Enterprise Development. Robert's research studies small businesses and entrepreneurship with a particular focus on small business management and on regulation.

Reviews

"This book provides a fascinating insight into the evolution of enterprise policy, and draws out how its objectives, forms and functions have altered in different political, economic and social contexts." -Colin C Williams University of Sheffield, UK

"This book provides a historical critique of understanding the introduction and development of enterprise policy in the UK over the years. It is a must read for those interested in seeking out a blueprint of enterprise policy because it provides in-depth knowledge and expertise in an area in which governments and academics are seeking to address economic and social challenges." -Norin Arshed, University of Dundee, UK

"A book that deserves a wide audience, it will be indispensable for those with an interest in enterprise policy and the interest of the 99% of businesses in the economy that represent enterprise. This book develops a historical approach to assess whether enterprise policy is good for enterprise." -Kevin Mole, University of Warwick, UK

Book Information
ISBN 9781032175461
Author Oliver Mallett
Format Paperback
Page Count 232
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 322g