Economic Growth and Development Policy

This book provides the theoretical and analytical background necessary to understanding the process of growth and the implementation of economic policies. First, it presents the growth theory landscape and the evolution of growth as well as modern growth theory arguments where the policy implications of the theoretical approaches are set. The book then covers the relationship between policy and growth, discussing not only the growth prototypes that prevail but also their relation to politics and economic policy formation and decision making. In this context, policy formation determinants, as well as the targets, instruments, and policy implementations, are crucial. The role of structural changes and structural reforms and their relationship with economic growth is also analyzed. The book ends with an interdisciplinary study of how institutions and cultural background, entrepreneurship and innovation affect policy formation.

Panagiotis E. Petrakis is Professor in the Department of Economics at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, where he serves as Director of the Sector of International Economics and Development and Scientific Coordinator of Distance Education Training Programs. He was chairman of the Department of Economics at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens from 2005 to 2009. He is the author of numerous scientific articles and monographs and has extensive publications in recognized academic journals on economic development, entrepreneurship, and cultural background.

Dionysis G. Valsamis is Researcher in the Department of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. He is the co-author of two books and has published articles in academic journals. His research interests include monetary policy, economic growth, and the implementation of economic policies in Europe.

Kyriaki I. Kafka holds a PhD in Economicsfrom the Department of Economics at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece. She is the co-author of one book and has published articles in academic journals, and her research interests include economic theory and methodological issues, economic development and growth, cultural economics, institutional economics, entrepreneurship, and innovation.