In The Entrepreneurial State, Mariana Mazzucato challenges the widely held belief that innovation and economic growth are driven solely by private sector entrepreneurs. Through detailed case studies—including the technology behind the iPhone, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy—she reveals how state-funded research and investment have been crucial in fostering breakthrough innovations.

Mazzucato argues that governments play an active and risk-taking role in driving innovation, yet the benefits of these investments are often privatized. She calls for a reevaluation of economic policies to ensure that public contributions to innovation are recognized and fairly rewarded.

Why Read This Book

• Debunks myths about the private sector’s dominance in innovation.
• Highlights the crucial role of government investment in technological breakthroughs.
• Challenges economic narratives that downplay the state’s role in shaping markets.
• Offers insights into how public-private partnerships can be restructured for fairer economic growth.
• Essential reading for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the economics of innovation.

About the Author

Mariana Mazzucato is a globally recognized economist specializing in innovation policy. She has served as an advisor to the United Nations, the European Commission, and various national governments. Her research has reshaped debates on economic value, public investment, and sustainable growth.