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Dutch efficiency-engineers and the engineering of the discipline of technical economics, 1920–1940

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  • Peter Rodenburg

Abstract

In the interwar period of the 20th century Dutch ‘efficiency engineers’ proposed the development of the new social science of Technical economics, based on the use of mechanics, statistics, resource efficiency and the principle of ‘useful effect-maximization’. This paper analyses efficiency engineers’ discontent with the mainstream political economy and explores the economic nature of Technical economics. The paper argues that Dutch efficiency engineers failed to formalise Technical economics into a coherent theoretical framework but succeeded in establishing a strong, Taylorism-based tradition at the Delft University of Technology.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Rodenburg, 2026. "Dutch efficiency-engineers and the engineering of the discipline of technical economics, 1920–1940," The European Journal of the History of Economic Thought, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 33(1), pages 124-144, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:eujhet:v:33:y:2026:i:1:p:124-144
    DOI: 10.1080/09672567.2025.2492316
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