The return of industrial policies
Policy considerations in the current context
The paper contributes to renewed debates about industrial policy in the context of
recent initiatives in several OECD economies. It discusses the pros and cons of industrial
policies motivated by environmental, national security and place-based/inclusiveness
objectives. The paper also considers implementation and design issues, and how to
respond to industrial policies in foreign countries. Despite well-grounded economic,
social and environmental justifications for some industrial policies, there are legitimate
concerns that the benefits of some of these policies could be limited and the costs
high. This mainly relates to measures curbing competition and the practical and political
challenges in designing and implementing effective measures. Thus, while governments
may want to experiment with future and welfare-oriented industrial policies, they
should exert moderation in scope, exercise caution in design and implementation, and
be mindful of possible negative international implications.
Published on December 14, 2023
In series:OECD Economic Policy Papersview more titles