Danish Capitalism in the 20th Century: A Business History of an Innovistic Mixed Economy

This book outlines the origins of Danish Capitalism and prosperity, from a poor and devastated minor state in the 19th century to a consolidated universal mixed economy welfare state at the end of the 20th century. The book argues that firm-based innovation drove Danish prosperity and redistributive capacity. It is a comprehensive but manageable examination of the institutions and choices that shaped a highly innovative and wealthy nation. The book relies on history and economic theory, presents commonly accepted narratives and theories, and contributes new explanations. Therefore, the book also traces both antecedents and the current state of 20th-century capitalism in Denmark and particular outcomes and critical institutions such as firm age, the labor market, and pension schemes. The book will be of interest to academics in business history and economic policy, as well as policymakers and all those interested in mixed economy studies.
“If a colleague had asked me about an interesting topic that has not been researched, I would have recommended writing a book about Danish Capitalism. The reason is that Denmark is always held up as an example of a highly successful society that everyone wants to emulate, including Americans. Stefan Kirkegaard Sløk-Madsen has produced a masterpiece on Danish Capitalism, and it is written for a non-Danish audience. This is a must-read for all those interested in lessons for the 21st Century from the 20th Century. A great read and an important one.”

(— Zoltan Acs, Professor at the Schar School of Policy and Government and Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Public Policy at George Mason University)