Book Description

This volume's aim is to promote thought in readers interested in what kind of economic policies, market systems, welfare systems, and socialist systems should each pursue under the pressures of accelerating change? Should there be more government or less government? This is the central question addressed by this internationally drawn group of experts. The book features major case studies on the People's Republic of China, Canada, Ghana, Great Britain, South Africa, Taiwan, and West Germany. Contributors include, Richard L. Brinkman, from the United States, James C.W. Ahiakpor and Tillo E. Kuhn from Canada, Dieter Loesch and Herbert Schmidt from Germany, and Geert L. deWet from South Africa. For technical economists interested in world trade, business people concerned with expanding markets, and policy analysts concerned about how technology, culture and politics drive economic systems, this book is essential reading. As the editor points out, indicative targeting, as the latest weapon in the arsenal of economic science, makes it possible to systematically discover signals that could become points of reference--landmarks--for the way into the future. The approach taken by the authors enables us to trace future trends by extrapolating current data onto new territory. It will help the policy maker identify desirable trends and ideas; and at the same time, provides some early warning signals about high-risk trends and patterns. Bodo B. Gemper is professor of economics at the University of Siegen in Germany. He previously edited a Transaction volume, Structural Dynamics of Industrial Policy, and in German, Protectionism in the World Economy.