Interesting analysis on how the state can contribute to long term economic growth especially through investment in research. I found it in line with some of the seminal contributions of Ken Arrow, Dick Nelson, and Keith Pavitt, among the others. However, I would have expected a deeper exploration of the conditions and the rules that can increase productivity and positive externalities of public investment. Moreover, as shown by the cases of Silicon Valley and Cambridge Ma., the US public research system has properties that other national systems of innovation were not able to replicate. So, I would have expected more emphasis on the interplay between competitive, mission oriented, public investment and vibrant market driven innovation dynamics. A good reading in any case. Mahee Ferlini