Work

The Ghost in the Attic? The Italian National Innovation System in Historical Perspective, 1861–2011

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper we provide a survey of the long term evolution of the Italian “National innovation system” since the unification. . First we provide a broad reconstruction of long term trends by examining a wide range of quantitative indicators of science and technological activities in comparative perspective. Second, on the basis of this quantitative picture, we put forward a conjectural interpretation of the fundamental features of the Italian national innovation system. Our conclusion is that Italy has approached the process of Modern Economic Growth following a peculiar path characterized by a limited commitment to investments in science and technology in combination with low real wages and the intense use of unskilled labour.

Source: Enterprise & Society

DOI: 10.1017/eso.2014.25

Authors: ALESSANDRO NUVOLARI, MICHELANGELO VASTA

Institutions: Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, University of Siena

Language: English

Topic: Italy: Economic History and Contemporary Issues

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W192535210