RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Services in the European economy: economic policy, challenges and implications

Professor Luis Rubalcaba of the University of Alcalá de Henares performed this research with the sponsorship of the Rafael del Pino Foundation within the framework of the collaboration agreement signed between the Foundation and Professor Rubalcaba on 23 December 2004.

The research has been published by the Foundation in its Economics and Business Collection. The book makes a major contribution to knowledge and understanding of service economics and policies. The case of European services is studied in detail, in particular in comparison with the United States.

By examining the empirical evidence available, exploring its key dimensions and the associated economic policy implications, the author conducts research into the new challenges and prospects facing the European economy in matters of employment, productivity, innovation and competitivity.

On the basis of these challenges, the work analyses EU policies on services - both existing and potential - and includes discussions on regulation, competition, the internal market and regional policies. The book argues that the orientation of many of these policies is in its early stages, leading Professor Rubalcaba to state “there is still a lot to do in terms of scope, definition, coordination and design to meet the needs and varied nature of service activities.” An integrated and strong service market is one of the most important objectives of the European Union at present, and achieving it requires renewed impetus and political ambition.

This is a unique work that combines new evidence on service economics and a broad range of political implications at European level. It will therefore be of interest to researchers, economic policy-makers, service company professionals, students and all those who consider services to be a dimension present in any economic and business activity.