What does competitiveness mean? In recent years, discussion of economic policy has become dominated by the notion of competitiveness. In this volume a group of leading economists explore the issue through cross-country comparisons and by means of single country case studies. They also examine: * the relationship between competitiveness and community objectives * the co-existence of diversity, subsidiarity and EU industrial policy * the impact of European enlargement and further integration

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.

After a decade or more of privatisation and deregulation there is a growing consensus that government can have a positive role in promoting industrial development. This book explores a variety of ways in which this might be made to happen. A common theme is the need for participation at the appropriate level: too often industrial policy has been hampered by overcentralised decision-making. Containing contributions by some of Europe's leading industrial economists, Industrial Policy for Europe covers subjects from small business to macroeconomics.

This volume examines what industrial policies are, and what role they play in the context of European integration. It provides a clear analysis of the process of integration from the Treaty of Rome to the Maastricht Treaty and beyond. Key issues covered include: * the theory of economic integration * policies to create a single market * the role of European Community institutions * policies to guarantee and promote market competition * policies of industrial development and innovation Industrial Policies of Economic Integration develops a new range of policies, aimed at allowing a new common market to enter the global marketplace effectively. This volume will be essential reading for students of European economics and policy makers interested in economic integration.

This comprehensive volume comprises original essays by authors well known for their work on the European Union. Together they provide the reader with an economic analysis of the most important elements of EU law and the mechanisms for decisions within the EU. The Handbook focuses particularly on how the development of EU law negotiates the tension between market integration, national sovereignty and political democracy. The book begins with chapters examining constitutional issues, while further chapters address the establishment of a single market. The volume also addresses sovereign debt problems by providing a detailed analysis of the architecture of the EU's monetary institutions, its monetary policy and their implications. The depth and breadth of the Handbook's coverage make it an essential reference for students, scholars and policymakers interested in the complexities of the European Union.

The papers in this proceedings volume were presented at the 9th international conference “The Economies of the Balkan and Eastern European Countries in the Changing World” (EBEEC) held in Athens, Greece, in April 2017. They include the scientific results of research on current issues relevant for the wider area of Eastern Europe. Authors from 30 different countries develop new ideas, covering topics such as international economies, European integration, the economic crisis, macroeconomics, banking, stock markets, education, energy, innovation, and marketing. The contributions also examine the role of the economies of the Balkan and Eastern European countries in a pan-European context.

Tourism continues to grow, and as the industry develops, it is important for researchers and practitioners to fully understand and examine issues such as sustainability, competiveness, and stakeholder quality of life in tourism centres around the world. Focusing on the unique perspective of island tourism destinations, this book outlines impacts on, and potential strategies for protecting, the natural environment, local economy, and local culture. A timely and important read for researchers, students and practitioners of tourism, this book also provides a valuable resource for researchers of sustainability and environmental science.

On 1 December 2009 the Treaty of Lisbon entered into force. Although often described as primarily technical, it significantly amended the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and the old EC Treaty (now the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, TFEU). The authors' aim in this book is to explore what the Treaty means for social law and social policy at the European level. The first part of the book on the general framework looks - at a time of financial crisis - for new foundations for Europe's Social market economy, questions the balance between fundamental social rights and economic freedoms, analyses the role of the now binding Charter of Fundamental Rights, maps the potential impact of the horizontal clauses on social policy and addresses the possibilities for social partners to enlarge their role in labour law and industrial relations. The second part, on the social framework of the Treaty, focuses on the development of the Union's competences. In it the authors evaluate the consequences of the new general framework on social competences, analyse the evolution of the principle of subsidiarity and its impact in the new Treaty, look at the coordination of economic policies in the light of fundamental rights, and analyse the adoption in the Treaty of a new architecture for services of general interest.

This book is about the processes of innovation at the global, national, and corporate levels. It explores the contexts, complexities, and contradictions of innovation from a range of disciplinary perspectives and is divided into three main sections: Globalization and Technology; Innovation and Growth; Governance, Business Performance, and Public Policy. Interdisciplinary and international in its scope this book provides important evidence and arguments on the processes of innovation, and in so doing addresses real challenges for policy-makers, managers, and academics alike. - ;This book is about the processes of innovation at the global, national, and corporate levels. It explores the contexts, complexities, and contradictions of innovation from a range of disciplinary perspectives and is divided into three main sections. In the first on Globalization and Technology, international contributors explore the links between changing systems of production and competitiveness; the impact of new technology and innovation on international labour markets; and the innovation practices of global firms. In the section on Innovation and Growth, a close look is taken at the innovation decisions and activities of individual firms. The evidence in these chapters challenges many assumptions about the nature of competitive behaviour and the co-operative links between firms. In the section on Governance, Business Performance, and Public Policy, the contributors examine the relationship between governance systems and firms' innovation strategies and decisions, assessing the capabilities and characteristics of different models of capitalism. The book concludes with a discussion of the most effective approach to industrial policy in the 'innovative economy'. Interdisciplinary and international in its scope this book provides important evidence and arguments on the processes of innovation and in so doing addresses real challenges for policy-makers, managers, and academics alike. -

Focusing especially on the era since the Cold War, political scientists, other scholars, and government officials examine both empirically and conceptually the causes and impacts of people striving for self-determination and autonomy. They consider the legal, political-administrative, ethnic-cultural, economic, and strategic dimensions; and try to consider examples from all major regions. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)