This book examines current theories of institutional change. The chapters highlight the limitations of these theories. Instead a model emerges of contemporary political economies developing in incremental but cumulatively transformative processes. (Provided by publisher)

Japan is currently still characterized by a low degree of import integration in the field of finished products. What are the reasons behind this? What can be done to remove the existing trade imbalances vis-à-vis Western industrialized countries? What, on the other hand, can be learned from the...