The Economic Theory of Invention and Innovation (The International Library of Critical Writings in Economics series, 215)

Review ‘One criticism of many research papers. . . is that they are not sufficiently grounded in theory. Therefore, Albert N. Link’s [book] is particularly welcome. The volume, which is structured in five parts, brings together practically all the key writings on the economics of invention and innovation – in other words, the seminal articles have laid the groundwork for contemporary research in the field. . . Academics who are teaching and/or writing in the field will, as a result, find the book of particular utility in understanding its development, and indeed, it is potentially magnificent as a tool to deepen students’ knowledge of the economics of invention and innovation. . . Because of Link’s fine pedigree in the field, I do not feel there are any significant omissions. . . The choice of articles in this book is almost inspired. . . Entrepreneurship academics should read this volume, as it will remind them that “corporate entrepreneurship” or “intrapreneurship” is, in effect, invention and innovation.’ -- Jonathan M. Scott, Entrepreneurship and Innovation‘This is an excellent collection of the seminal papers in the economics of innovation. I would think every scholar in the field of innovation economics would find this book a very useful addition to his or her library. The collection is admirable in that it emphasizes the origins of the modern field in work done during the 1950s and 1960s and therefore I would find it very useful as a source of background readings for courses in this area.’ -- Bronwyn H. Hall, University of California at Berkeley, US‘This collection includes some of the most important papers on the economics of invention and innovation over the past half century. It is an essential resource for both researchers and students in this increasingly critical area of economics.’ -- Gregory C. Tassey, National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Product Description This comprehensive collection presents the classic articles in the economics of invention and innovation. It covers topics related to sources of inventive and innovative activity, including exogenous and endogenous innovation, with an emphasis on R&D activity and the diffusion of new techniques. Professor Link has prepared an original introduction, which offers an authoritative overview of a subject that is of growing importance to both economists and management scientists. About the Author Edited by Albert N. Link,Virginia Batte Phillips Distinguished Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, US