Different Economic Systems
Traditional Economies Based on custom
Little innovation or change Subsistence standard of living
Command (Socialism, Communism) Public (govt) ownership of land, capital Central economic planning Distribution of resources Output decisions Wage and price controls
Market (capitalism, free enterprise) Economic incentives – profit motive Voluntary exchange Economic freedom Private property rights (including intellectual property)—protected by legal contracts Self-interest – see Adam Smith profile, p. 33 Wealth of Nations, 1776 Father of modern economics Self-interest Laissez-faire
Competition, including the right to fail The “invisible hand” Creative destruction (Joseph Schumpeter) – new products and production methods destroy old products, firms Limited government role—protection, courts, public goods and services
Mixed economies Market system dominates: Hong Kong US Australia Switzerland
Market systems with extensive social welfare programs: Sweden Norway Germany Netherlands
Extensive government intervention in the market: North Korea Cuba