This is a fully revised and updated textbook in the neglected field of service economics. The volume consists of four parts: I. The service economy in perspective; II. Microfoundations; III. The key role of urbanization; and IV. Public policy towards services. In the last section, the author proves how a better understanding of the nature of the service economy is necessary for policy innovation with a view to regenerating the welfare state.
Preface Foreword to the Second Edition Part I: The Service Economy in Perspective 1. Two Approaches to Service Sector Definition and Measurement 2. Merit Goods Part II: Microeconomic Foundations 3. Production Cost of Non-storable Goods 4. Distribution Costs of Non-transportable Goods 5. The Basic Trade-off and the Resulting Market Areas 6. Market Forms and Competition 7. Supply and Demand at the System Level 8. Welfare Economics 1: Towards A-Efficiency 9. Welfare Economics 2: Towards X-Efficency Part III: Urbanisation and Service Sector Development 10. Unprecedented Rise in the Standard of Living 11. Structural Change of the Economy 12. Urban Service Industries Before the Private Car 13. Mass Motoring, Enlargement of Service Markets and Urban Sprawl 14. Towards Sustainability of the Service Sector Part IV: Public Policy Towards Services 15. Trust in Economic Growth Cannot Replace Allocation Policy 16. Is Cost - Benefit Analysis the Answer? 17. Towards Social Balance 18. Increased Employment for Absolute Want Satisfaction 19. The Financial Challenge 20. Summary and Conclusions References Index