This book integrates three levels of political-economic analysis: first a comparative institutional analysis of the varieties of capitalism in both Europe and Asia, second a macroeconomic analysis of industrial structural change and economic dynamics of the national economies in Europe and Asia,...

The Lisbon Agenda aims to prepare Europe for globalization by updating European policies for research, innovation, competition, trade, employment, education, social protection, environment and energy at both the European and national levels. Designed to inspire the new cycle of the Lisbon Agenda...

This book explores the growing list of non-tariff trade barriers raised by the US, EU and Japan and assesses the prospects for significant trade liberalization. The author examines the liability of global free trade through a review of the complaints that these three countries raised about each...

This insightful book shows how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from some of the traditionally less dynamic peripheral economies of the "old" EU--namely Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain--have responded to the twin challenges of globalisation and industrial restructuring. Through a series of...

1. The microcredit sector in the United Kingdom : the role of CDFIs / Niamh Goggin, Karl Dayson and Sarah McGeehan -- 2. Microcredit in France : financial support for social inclusion / Stefanie Lämmermann -- 3. The microcredit sector in Italy : small initiatives in a dynamic scenario / Simone...

This topical book addresses the need for emerging economies in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe to find a new, sustainable growth model that fosters continued convergence with the EU without leading to the build-up of new vulnerabilities. -- The expert contributions frame the discussion...

This book explores the origins, rationale, problems and prospects of the European fiscal policy framework. It provides the reader with a roadmap to EMU's budgetary framework by exploring its theoretical and empirical foundations, uncovering its historical roots and emphasising its supranational...

What is the potential of the new information and communication technologies? This book assesses the relationship between technological change and employment in all its dimensions, focusing on contemporary economies in Europe. The authors discuss patterns of growth, and the type of employment...