The Theory of Economic Development

By Joseph A. Schumpeter,

Book cover of The Theory of Economic Development

Book description

Joseph Schumpeter (1883-1950) is one of the most fascinating and influential economists of the twentieth century, renowned for his brilliant and unorthodox insights into the nature of capitalism. His students include leading economists such as Paul Samuelson, Robert Solow and the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan.

The…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Theory of Economic Development as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This is the first book I read about the role of entrepreneurs in the economy. I have mixed feelings about it.

It’s filled with insights but it is also deeply flawed. Entrepreneurs drive economic development and engage in “creative destruction.” The market is about change rather than equilibrium. These are both great insights.

But history has refuted Schumpeter’s Nietzschean view that entrepreneurship is confined to “captains of industry” with unusual personality traits, and his attempts to explain business cycles is unpersuasive.  

From David's list on understanding how societies develop.

This book is the starting point of the widespread study of innovation in Economics providing not only basic definitions still in use in the field today, but also fundamental insights into the relationships between innovation, profits, competition, business cycles, and other economic phenomena.

I first read this as a doctoral student and its weaving of innovation as a major driver of economic development and growth was an eye-opener and contrasted with much of the current literature at that time.

Want books like The Theory of Economic Development?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Theory of Economic Development.

Browse books like The Theory of Economic Development

Book cover of The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Book cover of Competition & Entrepreneurship
Book cover of The Economics of Innovation: An Introduction

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,224

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in economic development, economics, and capitalism?

Economics 411 books
Capitalism 215 books