Evolutionary Economic Thought explores the theoretical roots of the evolutionary approach, and in so doing, demonstrates how it fits squarely into the theoretical mainstream. Focusing on the institutions of evolutionary change and the processes - such as competition - that generate change, this book takes account of important European contributions to the discipline, hitherto overshadowed by the American paradigm. As such, the book serves to broaden the current discourse. Whilst evolutionary economics itself is a well-researched and widely documented field, this book will be credited with establishing a history of evolutionary economic thought.

The contributors attempt to answer an important set of questions on how economies develop, using the theories of social economists such as Hobson, Marx, Menger, Schmoller, Sombart and Wagner. Historical, empirical, and theoretical perspectives on evolutionary economic change are also drawn upon.

This highly original book will appeal to those with an interest in evolutionary economics, economic development and the history of economic thought.