Economic Policy and Technological Performance

The papers in this volume represent a wide ranging contribution to the debate about the impact of technological change on economic and social welfare. Generally aimed at the non-specialist, the papers cover both the experience and application of policy as well as providing in-depth discussions of the rationale for intervention in the process of technological change.

A growing awareness of the contribution that technological change has made and can make to economic and social welfare has brought science and technology policy to the forefront of public discussions in both national and international forums. The papers in this volume, first presented at a Centre for Economic Policy Research conference held in London in September 1986 on the Economics of Technology Policy, represent a wide ranging contribution to the debate. Generally aimed at the non-specialist, the papers cover both the experience and application of policy as well as providing in-depth discussions of the rationale for intervention in the process of technological change. The authors include both policy-makers (Barber, Ergas and White) and the academic economists (Dasgupta, David, Griliches, Lyons, Pakes, Stiglitz and Stoneman). The volume will be of particular interest to policy-makers and their advisers concerned with technology-related issues and will contribute significantly to undergraduate and graduate courses in the same area.