The end of the experiment? ─ From competition to the foundational economy

For thirty years, the British economy has repeated the same old experiment of subjecting everything to competition and market because that is what works in the imagination of central government. This book demonstrates the repeated failure of that experiment by detailed examination of three sectors: broadband, food supply and retail banking.

The book argues for a new experiment in social licensing whereby the right to trade in foundational activities would be dependent on the discharge of social obligations in the form of sourcing, training and living wages.

Written by a team of researchers and policy advocates based at the Centre for Research on Socio Cultural Change, this book combines rigour and readability, and will be relevant to practitioners, policy makers, academics and engaged citizens.

Andrew Bowman is a member of the Centre for Research on Socio Cultural Change.

Julie Froud is Professor of Financial Innovation at Manchester Business School and a member of CRESC.

Sukhdev Johal is Chair in Accounting & Strategy at Queen Mary University of London.

John Law is Professor of Sociology at the Open University and a Director of the Centre for Research on Socio Cultural Change.

Karel Williams is Professor of Accounting and Political Economy at Manchester Business School and a Director of CRESC.

Michael Moran is Professor of Government at Manchester Business School and a member of CRESC.

Adam Leaver is Senior Lecturer in Business Analysis at Manchester Business School and a member of CRESC.