How Growth Really Happens

"In How Growth Really Happens, Michael Best consolidates a lifetime of research and wisdom on alleged ?miracles? of rapid economic growth. The result is a masterful synthesis of historical case studies with the evolving theoretical conceptions of often-neglected economic thinkers. Strongly recommended for economic historians and policymakers alike."--Gavin Wright, professor emeritus, Stanford University

"Periods of rapid economic growth provide a rich environment for studying the relationship between industrial policy, organizational change, technological innovation, and entrepreneurial activity. With U.S. productivity growth languishing, this timely, exciting, and highly readable book draws on economic theory and lived historical experience to provide original insights into how to improve the performance of regional and national economies by fostering innovation and dynamism."--Eileen Appelbaum, Center for Economic and Policy Research

"I have witnessed too often the failure of macro models to understand or even take account of what makes production processes work best. It is clear that the right ecosystems are vital in generating sustainable growth and best use of technology. As we are all struggling to find a new economics paradigm, Michael Best?s emphasis on better connecting economic thinking with what actually goes on in the real world is absolutely spot-on."--Vicky Pryce, former Joint Head of the UK Government Economic Service and coauthor of Redesigning Manufacturing

"In their fascination with voluntary exchanges between rational individuals, today?s mainstream economists have failed to understand that the most important economic changes originate in factories, not markets. Drawing on his expansive knowledge of economic theories, economic history, and enterprise development, Michael Best shows how the neglect of production in economics has led to a fundamental misunderstanding of how the economy works and develops in the real world. This book will profoundly change the way we see the economy. A masterpiece."--Ha-Joon Chang, author of Economics: The User?s Guide

"Today, when economic and political tremors have shaken many previously unquestioned policy assumptions to their foundations, How Growth Really Happens offers a fresh perspective on issues that could hardly be more relevant. This is a timely book, one that has the potential to become a seminal study of economic growth."--Robert H. Wade, London School of Economics

"By offering illuminating case studies and linking the analysis of production, enterprise, and governance, Michael Best offers a sustained discussion of topics that mainstream economics has tended to neglect. How Growth Really Happens is a highly significant contribution to economics."--Carol E. Heim, University of Massachusetts, Amherst