In the 1970s, the large size of enterprises was one of the symbols of the mass production system's rigidity. The second symbol was state interventionism--blamed for the economic difficulties of the period: growing unemployment and upsurge of inflation. Globalisation is characterised by the predominance of deregulated finance ("big finance") over economic activities. Between free enterprise capitalism and monopoly capitalism stands finance-based capitalism. The financial sphere is mobilised to promote variety and reinforce selection.
This book presents in its first part the financial determinants of innovation processes considered in a macro-economic perspective, which are limited by short-term constraints and studies in its second part the linkages existing between the necessity to innovate in order to survive and the constant attention given to financial results.

This book examines the life and works of John Kenneth Galbraith and demonstrates how his non-conventional approach to economics is critical to understanding the trouble that currently exists within economics and economic policies. With new perspectives on his work, this book proposes new answers to the economic challenges both industrialized and developing economies are facing.

This book presents in its first part the financial determinants of innovation processes considered in a macro-economic perspective, which are limited by short-term constraints, and studies in its second part the linkages existing between the necessity to innovate in order to survive and the constant attention given to financial results.