Questioning the Entrepreneurial State

A book by Marianna Mazzucato called ‘The Entrepreneurial State’ looked to turn conventional economic wisdom on its head.  The book argued economic success is a result of public and state funded investments in innovation and technology, rather than a result of the small state, free market doctrine that often receives credit for strong economic growth.  A compelling critique of Mazzucato's book in the literature came from the book ‘Questioning the Entrepreneurial State’.  It includes contributions from various academics forming a cannon of work which debunks the Entrepreneurial State.  IEA Communications and Public Affairs Officer Kieran Neild Ali was joined by co-editor of 'Questioning the Entrepreneurial State', Christian Sandström, to discuss the book and Mazzucato's ideas.   Christian Sandström is Senior Associate Professor of Digital Business at Jönköping International Business School (Sweden) and the Ratio Institute (Sweden). His research concerns innovation policy and the interplay between technological and institutional change. Sandström has published more than 30 papers in academic journals.