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The Netherlands: Failure of a neo-classical policy agenda

Author

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  • Alfred Kleinknecht
  • C.W.M. Naastepad

Abstract

The neo-classical plea for flexibilizing European labour markets is strong and convincing within a static general equilibrium framework, but it is counter-productive for dynamic Schumpeterian efficiency. Taking the example of the US and the Netherlands, we argue that more flexible labour relations and reduction of wage-cost pressure did indeed unleash high job growth, but gave negative incentives to labour productivity growth and innovation. Our illustration with macro figures is supported by evidence from micro data. Firms in the Netherlands that realized substantial wage savings due to flexible labour relations do not realize above-average sales growth; and there are indications that they realized lower labour productivity growth. Anglo-Saxon “hire and fire” labour relations can be favourable for “entrepreneurial” innovation regimes, but they may be harmful for “routinized” innovation regimes that are dependent on a continuous historical accumulation of knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfred Kleinknecht & C.W.M. Naastepad, 2005. "The Netherlands: Failure of a neo-classical policy agenda," European Planning Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 13(8), pages 1193-1203, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eurpls:v:13:y:2005:i:8:p:1193-1203
    DOI: 10.1080/09654310500336550
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    Cited by:

    1. Rui Gong & Yong-Qiu Wu & Feng-Wen Chen & Tai-Hua Yan, 2020. "Labor Costs, Market Environment and Green Technological Innovation: Evidence from High-Pollution Firms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(2), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Pasquale Tridico, 2012. "Italy from economic decline to the current crisis," Working Papers 0005, ASTRIL - Associazione Studi e Ricerche Interdisciplinari sul Lavoro.
    3. Sebastiano Fadda & Antonella Mennella & Pasquale Tridico, 2012. "Flessibilità e produttività: il caso del lavoro in somministrazione," Working Papers 0004, ASTRIL - Associazione Studi e Ricerche Interdisciplinari sul Lavoro.
    4. Armanda Cetrulo & Valeria Cirillo & Dario Guarascio, 2018. "Weaker jobs, weaker innovation. Exploring the temporary employment-product innovation nexus," LEM Papers Series 2018/06, Laboratory of Economics and Management (LEM), Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa, Italy.
    5. Francesco Macheda, 2018. "The illusion of patient capital: evidence from pension investment policy in the Netherlands," Working Papers 0029, ASTRIL - Associazione Studi e Ricerche Interdisciplinari sul Lavoro.
    6. Chen, Feng-Wen & Xu, Jingwei & Wang, Jiang & Li, Zhilong & Wu, Yongqiu, 2023. "Do rising labour costs promote technology upgrading? A novel theoretical hypothesis of an inverted U-shaped relationship," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 66(C), pages 327-341.
    7. Pasquale Tridico & Sebastiano Fadda & Antonella Mennella, 2014. "Flexibility and Productivity: The Case of the Labour Supply Contract Agreement in Italy," QA - Rivista dell'Associazione Rossi-Doria, Associazione Rossi Doria, issue 3, September.

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