Originally published in 1959, the subject of this book is an aspect of economic development which, despite its importance, had rarely attracted more than incidental attention at the time. The author's interest in public enterprise in underdeveloped countries was stimulated by a year's residence in Turkey. He felt the time had come for a general comparative study. Defining comparative as (1) between developed and underdeveloped countries, and (2) between different underdeveloped countries at dissimilar stages of development or with dissimilar development perspectives. The purpose of the first is to discover what the developed can offer the underdeveloped by way of adaptable experience and relevant ideas; that of the second to examine the use of public enterprise in the many different social, economic and political contexts to be found in the less advanced parts of the world.

Preface. Part 1: Public Enterprise in the Growth Process 1. Introduction 2. Obstacles to Economic Development 3. Overcoming the Obstacles 4. The Place of Public Enterprise 5. Some Conclusions Part 2: Problems of Organisation and Control 6. Introduction 7. General Development Agencies 8. Industrial Development and Industrial Finance Agencies 9. Agricultural Agencies 10. Regional Agencies for River-Valley Development 11. Organisational Types 12. The Control of Public Enterprise 13. Internal Organisation 14. Financial and Commercial Aspects 15. Problems of Personnel. Index.