Industripolitik

Industripolitik, or industrial policy, refers to a set of government measures designed to influence the structure and performance of the economy's industrial sectors, including manufacturing, energy, and advanced technologies. The aim is to support productivity, innovation, employment, and strategic resilience by guiding investment, research, and market conditions rather than leaving all outcomes to the private market. Policies may target the development of specific sectors considered vital for economic growth or national security, as well as the creation of broad competitive conditions.

Historically, industrial policy emerged from developmental states and postwar rebuilding programs, with notable examples in East Asia, Germany, and the Nordic countries. In recent decades, it has been debated within the framework of liberalized economies, leading to a mix of horizontal policies that improve general conditions (infrastructure, education, rule of law) and selective or vertical measures aimed at particular industries or firms. The latter can include subsidies, tax incentives, R&D grants, public procurement, state investment funds, tariffs, and support for clusters and innovation ecosystems. Green and digital industrial policies focus on sectors aligned with climate objectives and technological leadership.

Critics warn that industrial policy can distort markets, misallocate resources, and create incentives for rent-seeking or protected incumbents. Effectiveness depends on design, governance, transparency, and rigorous evaluation, with risk of fiscal cost and policy capture. Proponents argue that selective, well-targeted measures can overcome coordination failures, correct market gaps, and accelerate structural change in a complex, interconnected economy.