European industrial policy and competitiveness. Concepts and instruments

Book abstract:

This book is intended as a definitive textbook on European industrial policy. It examines the formulation and execution of industrial policy by the European Union and discusses how this has, or has not, contributed to the promotion of European competitiveness. This leads on to a critical analysis of specific instruments of industrial policy. The unique feature of this book, as opposed to previous works, is its clear conceptualisation of European industrial competitiveness policy. This is the policy set which developed in the 1990s, comprising horizontal measures intended to facilitate structural adjustment and promote enterprise and corporate competitiveness. The editor argues that there is no integrated, centrally co-ordinated industrial policy in the EU, but rather a loose macroeconomic policy set exists which, viewed collectively, does constitute what he terms 'a formidable assemblage of structural determinants of European competitiveness'.

This volume devotes particular attention to policies for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the role which SMEs play in the development of an enterprise culture and the enhancement of economic competitiveness.

This book presumes a basic knowledge of the EU's structure, institutional dynamics and policy-making process on the part of the reader, along with some familiarity with basic economic concepts and business practices. It should prove of interest to students of European studies, international business, and international political economy. It will also be of value to those involved in, or affected by, industrial policy. These would include business people, interest groups and policy-makers at both national and EU level.

The chapters are: Introduction: concepts defined and scenes set; Fostering invention and innovation: Europe's collaborative R&TD initiatives; EU competition rules: promoting and policing the internal market; Trade tools: holding the fort or declaring open house?; Export promotion: gaining advantage through credit and insurance; EU business taxation: fighting for competitiveness or combating competition?; The choice of policies and the regulation of public procurement in the EU; European transport infrastructure: building for a competitive Europe; Competing through human capital: training and education; Promoting competitiveness: inward investment incentives and enterprise policy; Conclusions: shaping the European business environment.

Palgrave: Catalogue: 'European Industrial Policy and Competitiveness. Concepts and Instruments' http://www.palgrave.com/products/Catalogue.aspx?is=0333744098

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