Warnings from history for a new era of industrial policy

As the world slowly emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, governments of all stripes are looking to unleash a new era of industrial policy to jumpstart the global economy. But as countries embark on this brave new world, they would do well to pause and look back on the lessons of history. From the success of New Deal initiatives in the 19th century to the misfires of ‘big government’ attempts to manage the economy in the last century, the annals of history can provide some useful warnings and guidance for the current day. In this article, we will examine the successes and failures of industrial policy over time to gain a better understanding of what to do – and what to avoid – in this new era.

1. Echoes from the Past: Reflections on Industrial Policy

As our environment changes, it is increasingly important to look back at the industrial policies of the past and gain insight and understanding into the direction the future of industrial policy should take.

• Long-term Goals – Early industrial policies aimed to set and accomplish long-term goals such as improved worker safety, wage increases and the reduction of working hours. By looking back at the successes and failures of these policies, we can determine what strategies should be employed in the future.
• Economic Rebuilding – Post-war industrial policies have sought to create a more stable and vibrant economic landscape, helping to rebuild various industries, encouraging investment and facilitating technological progress. These policies enabled countries to become more competitive and often drastically improved economic and social conditions.

Despite all the successes and lessons of industrial policy in the past, there is still much more to be understood. Only by looking at the past and learning from our successes, failures and mistakes will we make the right decisions for the future of our industrial policy.

2. Learning from History: The Advantages of Drawing on Previous Experience

The Experience of the Past

The lessons and experiences from past generations often hold valuable insight into the present. Whether dealing with personal experiences or looking back to the annals of history, examining the successes and failures of the past can provide insights for today. Drawing on the intelligence and knowledge of the preceding generations can offer strategic advantages for those in the present.

Studying past events can open the doorway for problem solving through understanding and anticipating patterns. By finding correlation between events that have already transpired, educated guesses can be made as to the likely outcome of a current decision or choice.

The Benefits of Learning from History

Drawing on the experiences of history presents a range of benefits that can help guide us today. For starters, leveraging the insight of our ancestors, who clearly lived in a different era, can be hugely valuable in terms of how we navigate our current world.

Other benefits of the past include:

• Gaining a better understanding of a particular issue or topic.
• Instilling knowledge and helping people develop sound judgement.
• Providing the opportunity to contemplate decisions in a new light.
• Unlocking fresh perspectives on current problems.
• Creating a greater awareness of potential consequences.

Whether it’s understanding geopolitics, delving deeper into ancient cultures or honing our own personal stories, history provides unique insight into the world we live in and the choices we make.

3. Caveats for the Future: Warnings from the Industrial Revolution

The horrific consequences of the industrial revolution serve as a reminder of the importance of caring for our environment and the humans that inhabit it. It’s also important to consider future effects when working with new technological developments.

Here are few cautions to consider moving forward:

• Consumption of natural resources should never be taken lightly, especially when these resources are used to produce consumer products.
• It is essential to plan for the potential environmental damage caused by harvesting or manufacturing. The cost of environmentally damaging practices always falls on the people affected at the end.
• It is absolutely necessary to regulate both the development of new technologies and the implementation of existing ones.
• Companies have a responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint, both through the use of renewable resources and through effective waste management.

Going forward, we must ensure that industrialization occurs in a way that is environmentally and socially conscious. Considering the devastation of the Industrial Revolution, it is of utmost importance to ensure that we don’t repeat the mistakes of our past.

4. Strategies for a Successful Industrial Policy in a New Age

In a business world that is ever-evolving and becoming increasingly globalized, it is important to ensure that industrial policy remains relevant and effective. Following are four strategies for adapting a successful industrial policy for a new age.

• Encourage Innovation: An industrial policy should support innovation and research within the industry in order to ensure that products are competitively positioned and well-suited to changing market needs. This can be done through tax credits and other forms of financial assistance.
• Focus on Education and Training: It is essential to invest in delivering quality education and training initiatives to employees in order to keep them equipped with the skills required to stay competitive in the ever-changing market.
• Understand the Local Economy: An effective industrial policy should be tailored to the local economy; it should take into account the unique characteristics of the region and understand what makes it different from its competitors.
• Incentivize Good Practices: Industrial policy should incentivize companies to adopt good practices and ensure environmental sustainability. This can be done by setting up regulation and tax incentives for those who are committed to sustainable practices.

By implementing creative strategies that focus on investing in training and innovation, understanding the local economy, and incentivizing good practices, businesses can ensure that their industrial policy is both successful and in line with the needs of the new age.

As we enter a new era of industrial policy, let us not forget the lessons of the past. History provides us with numerous examples of the unintended consequences of misguided interventions. Our decisions must be carefully considered, lest we suffer the same consequences as those who tried, and failed, before us. The future is unpredictable and uncertain, but with vigilance and a learn-from-the-past approach, we can ensure a prosperous future for all.