Öffentliches Produktionsvermögen und öffentliche Wirtschaftspolitik in der Bundesrepublik bis in die 1970er Jahre

This study examines a time period when economic policy at municipal and state level systematically made use of public enterprises. It not only sheds light on the political positions of parties and associations with regard to regulation and the discussions about privatisation, but also analyses the instrumentalisation of municipal and state-owned enterprises in terms of business cycle policy and structural policy. In doing so, it discusses the respective theoretical and political arguments as well as the use of the enterprises ‘in practice’. The various privatisation campaigns conducted pursed regulatory, fiscal and property-related goals. As far as business cycle policy was concerned, emphasis was placed on pricing, investment and financial policies. In terms of structural policy, regional and sectoral policy goals were pursued. Lastly, the study analyses the political influence and political control of public enterprises.