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The Synchronisation and Standardisation of Time (1830-1970): Technological Innovation and Public Policy

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  • Stefano Solari

Abstract

Clock-making has represented a fundamental sector for industrialisation, al-lowing a more precise division of labour and developing the competences for au-tomation, which was well understood by Charles Babbage. Besides precision, the problems of synchronisation and standardisation have characterised the creation of the uniform time dimension. This paper proposes the history of these processes with a glance at their protagonists. Scientific progress, technological innovation, institutions and cultural frames co-evolved assuring a favourable frame to indus-trialisation. That was possible thanks to a synergy between astronomers and clock-makers as well as between inventors and railways. Even when exact time was made a public good, access to it was quite demanding in technological terms. The history of railways let us understand how reliability and trust have been the crucial variables in the making of the industrialised society. Conventions and the passion of technicians with a faith in progress have been more relevant than the often disorienting action of governments or the uncertainty of market competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Solari, 2024. "The Synchronisation and Standardisation of Time (1830-1970): Technological Innovation and Public Policy," HISTORY OF ECONOMIC THOUGHT AND POLICY, FrancoAngeli Editore, vol. 2024(1), pages 5-28.
    • Handle: RePEc:fan:spespe:v:html10.3280/spe2024-001001
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Murphy, John Joseph, 1966. "Entrepreneurship in the Establishment of the American Clock Industry," The Journal of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 26(2), pages 169-186, June.
    2. NEIL McKENDRICK, 1970. "Josiah Wedgwood and Cost Accounting in the Industrial Revolution," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 23(1), pages 45-67, April.
    3. R. A. Church, 1975. "Nineteenth-Century Clock Technology in Britain, the United States, and Switzerland," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 28(4), pages 616-630, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B19 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Other
    • D02 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Institutions: Design, Formation, Operations, and Impact
    • D80 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - General
    • N63 - Economic History - - Manufacturing and Construction - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N64 - Economic History - - Manufacturing and Construction - - - Europe: 1913-
    • N70 - Economic History - - Economic History: Transport, International and Domestic Trade, Energy, and Other Services - - - General, International, or Comparative
    • N83 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: Pre-1913
    • N84 - Economic History - - Micro-Business History - - - Europe: 1913-
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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