Japan's network economy structure, persistence, and change

Abstract

This book uses quantitative and historical methods to trace the evolution of the Japanese economy's business network from the prewar period to the end of the century. It addresses whether the controversial "keiretsu" enterprise groupings have outlived their usefulness and are withering away in the face ofderegulation, globalization, and market liberalization. While concluding that these relationships are still central to Japanese business, the book alsonotes that they are much more subordinated to the strategies of individualenterprises than was true of the prewar network economy.