Description
Book SynopsisGovernments 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 12bn, yet facing
Trade Review
"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
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
1. What is enterprise policy and why is it important?
2. Government, Small Firms and Entrepreneurship in the Nineteenth Century
3. Filling the finance gap
4. Regional enterprise policy
5. Early lobbying and debating the role of government
6. Taxation, lobbying and a voice for small business
7. The Europeanisation of enterprise policy
8. Neoliberalism and enterprise culture
9. Market liberalisation and deregulation
10. Tackling deadweight and displacement through consultancy
11. Enterprise policy as an answer to deprivation and exclusion
12. Conclusion
Methodological Appendix
Index
