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Pluralism(s) in economics: lessons from complexity and innovation. A review paper

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  • Magda Fontana

Abstract

My analysis focuses on two main observations. First, many competing schools of thoughts are currently present in economics with no predominant paradigm. We are experiencing an era of pluralism (Davis J Econ Methodol 14(3):275–290, 2007 , Camb J Econ 32:249–366, 2008 ; Colander 2000 ; Colander et al. J Polit Econ 16(4):485–499, 2004 ). The term ‘pluralism’ is extremely interesting since, as I will show, it has different dimensions to it. These offer insights into interpreting the tangled universe of the economics. Second, there is a progressive intertwining of innovation economics with complexity economics, which I argue provides an instance of the above-described shift toward pluralism. Copyright Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

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  • Magda Fontana, 2014. "Pluralism(s) in economics: lessons from complexity and innovation. A review paper," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 189-204, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:24:y:2014:i:1:p:189-204
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-013-0333-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Robert, Verónica & Yoguel, Gabriel, 2016. "Complexity paths in neo-Schumpeterian evolutionary economics, structural change and development policies," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 38(C), pages 3-14.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation and invention; Processes and incentives; Economic methodology; O30; B41;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • B41 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Economic Methodology - - - Economic Methodology

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