An expert's take on the strengths and weaknesses of EU business groups.
4/15/2002
Business associations in Europe, once defined almost entirely by national interests in individual countries, now find themselves in a state of flux during European integration. How they will ultimately harness their powers for the changing economy is currently a hot topic in Europe. In this scholarly and sober volume published as part of the Ernst & Young Association Management series, Justin Greenwood, an authority on European Union business associations, explains his most recent research undertaking and what it means for business and public policy. Greenwood, a professor of European public policy at the Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland, studied almost fifty business associations in depth (out of a possible 950)—covering breweries, cement, dairies, advertising, and more. Among his conclusions: EU business associations are becoming specialized, yet too-narrow specialization may limit their ability to wield political power.