Introduction: Approach and Basic Concepts

The introductive chapter aims to clarify the approach adopted in the book. First, it emphasises its link with the approach of historical economics, as practised by Kindleberger. Differently from Kindleberger, however, the qualitative model worked out in this book aims to focus on the intertwined evolution of economics and economic policy. This chapter emphasises the crucial role played in scientific research by the stage of interpretation as crucial bridge between theory and empirical evidence. The case study of the Phillips curve confirms the crucial role of the investigator’s vision in scientific research. Three visions of the nexus between growth and development are then clarified. The vision adopted by this book focuses on a comprehensive vision of sustainable development and a suggested definition of development trajectory.