Competitive Industrial Development in the Age of Information

This book examines how transnational corporations, small to medium enterprises and governments have emerged as the principal players in industrial development.
As the global economy has evolved and matured, transnational corporations, small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and governments have emerged as the principal players in industrial development. Knowledge and technology have also taken on new importance as driving forces for economic growth. This work examines policy issues arising from these developments, which will be of fundamental importance in a 21st century Age of Information. Discussion focuses upon: the role of national and subnational industrial policy in promoting economic performance; the impact of tax policy upon domestic technology development; bank financing of SMEs; and the need for co-operation in the development of economically viable industrial policy. With special reference made to the technology sector, contributors demonstrate that globally-oriented industrial policy must promote both competition and co-operation in the domestic economy. The book argues that domestic competition must be viewed as a function of global competition, strengthening a country's technological and economic development. However, domestic co-operation allows parties to compete on a global scale. It is concluded that this New Competitio