Well-designed industrial policies can improve a nation's economic performance. Using a range of tools, such as subsidies, tax incentives, infrastructure development, protective regulations, and R&D support, governments are able to support specific industries or economic activities.

Steve Coulter examines the patterns of industrial policymaking across late capitalist societies. Drawing on case studies from a range of countries, each with different growth models, national capabilities, policy traditions, and political/welfare state regimes, he is able to offer a nuanced comparative assessment of states' responses to specific economic challenges. The book draws broad conclusions about the trajectories of industrial policy and highlights key technical and political drivers that policymakers consider when addressing whether best practice should centre on general or nationally-specific approaches. The book also focuses on fresh challenges and opportunities for industrial policy and questions the sustainability of current policy practice.

About the Author

Steve Coulter is Head of Industrial Strategy and Skills at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and Visiting Senior Fellow at the European Institute, London School of Economics.

Reviews

Everything you always wanted to know about industrial policy but were afraid to ask - all in one place in Steve Coulter's short book. Written for the novice in universities, the politician and their aides, the seasoned lobbyist, and the journalist. Even old hands in the field will find a lot of interest here. Coulter looks back to the heyday and the demise of industrial policy, clearly sets out ways of thinking about it, what could work, and what may go wrong. But most importantly, he makes you think again about industrial policy, industrial strategy and the political economy underpinning the idea. In this new, post-Covid, post-crisis era, with its renewed interest in the role of government in the economy, this book is a handy guide into the debates, the possibilities and the pitfalls.

-- Bob Hancke, Associate Professor in Political Economy, London School of Economics



Book Information
ISBN 9781788213387
Author Dr Steve Coulter
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Agenda Publishing
Publisher Agenda Publishing