State and Entrepreneurs in Egypt

Economic Development since 1805

verfasst von: Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan US

Buchreihe : The Political Economy of the Middle East

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Über dieses Buch

The state and entrepreneurs are two players that have shaped both economic activity and economic history throughout the world since the Industrial Revolution. This book analyzes the history of economic development in Egypt to show the impact of the relationship between state and entrepreneurs on development performance since 1805.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. State and Entrepreneurs: Theory and Development

Abstract

State and entrepreneurs have shaped economic activity and history throughout the world since the Industrial Revolution. The state affects the economy through its policies, while entrepreneurs affect the economy through their performance. Both logic and history demonstrate the interdependence of the two players, which do not always work in sync. When they do, a win-win outcome emerges to boost economic growth. When they are out of sync (win-lose) economic growth suffers. That delicate balance has prevailed for decades until shattered by the Great Depression.

Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

2. State Policies: The Great Pasha’s Dynasty (1805–1952)

Abstract

In chapter 1, we examined the relationship between state and entrepreneurs in theory and practice. We learned of the success of the state in improving national economic performance through public-private collaboration. From the experience of other countries, we understand that more and more entrepreneurs recognize the value of that collaboration to implement a win-win strategy and expand their own businesses. The specific nature of the role of state as applied to Egypt is the subject matter of this chapter. With the benefit of documented observations we find seven different formulas used by the state in managing the economy. Each has produced results some of which could be measured and assessed while some could not be measured but could still be assessed. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The question is: So what? The idea is to use the review as a guide for the future role of the state in Egypt. By implication, the usefulness of this approach could go beyond Egypt to benefit other countries. That the state plays a role in a country’s development is no longer the issue. Rather, it is what specific role or combination of roles does it play.

Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

3. State Policies: The Military (1952–2014)

Abstract

In chapter 1, we proposed that state and entrepreneurs are two interlocking actors that govern economic activity. We also proposed that underlying this dynamic is a balance that exists between social and private gains, a concern that has been at the center of welfare economics. With the benefit of Egypt’s long-term development narratives, we identified seven different approaches for how the state managed the economy, which, in turn, affected the scope of entrepreneurial activity. In chapter 2, we presented the first four approaches, which spanned the Great Pasha’s dynasty (1805–1952). The themes covered included modernizing a backward economy, partnering with international business, intervening selectively, and shaping the nationalist agenda. In this chapter, we discuss the relation of the state with entrepreneurs during the 60-some years of military rule that followed the end of the Pasha’s dynasty (1952–2014).

Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

4. From Hibernation to Globalization

Abstract

This chapter tracks the story of Egypt’s modern entrepreneurs during 60 years of military rule (1950–2010). While the period covered is the same in chapters 3 and 4, the two chapters differ in perspectives. Whereas chapter 3 examines state policies toward economic issues in general and the business community in particular, this chapter looks at the response of entrepreneurship to those policies. The two perspectives thus complement one another; they are essentially two sides of the same coin. While numerous issues appear in both chapters there is no analytical repetition. The perspective analysis of the same events is vastly different in each.

Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

5. Quo Vadis Egypt?

Abstract

In this chapter, we draw together the perspectives presented in this book on the relation between state and entrepreneurs that were viewed in the 200 years of Egyptian development. Within that long span, we set out to connect dots that may have appeared somewhat random, if viewed separately in the short or medium term. Fortunately, we were able to do so for two significant subjects. First, we have identified seven modalities of state policies vis-à-vis the business community. To this day, the lessons derived have general validity for policymaking both in Egypt and elsewhere. We shall recapitulate those lessons in the present chapter. Second, we also identified what we called “the human infrastructure,” a concept that refers to the combination of human capital in place and the associated nurturing institutions (chapter 1). It is a useful insight derived from observing entities (societies or business communities) pull themselves up by their bootstraps following periods of serious adversity. We saw the applicability of the concept not only in Egypt but also in Germany following its defeat in WWI, and Germany and Japan following their defeat in WWII.

Naiem A. Sherbiny, Omaima M. Hatem

Backmatter

Titel: State and Entrepreneurs in Egypt
verfasst von: Naiem A. Sherbiny
Omaima M. Hatem
Verlag: Palgrave Macmillan US
Electronic ISBN: 978-1-137-56129-9
Print ISBN: 978-1-137-56753-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-137-56129-9

Springer Professional

Über dieses Buch

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

1. State and Entrepreneurs: Theory and Development

2. State Policies: The Great Pasha’s Dynasty (1805–1952)

3. State Policies: The Military (1952–2014)

4. From Hibernation to Globalization

5. Quo Vadis Egypt?

Backmatter

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