The world is experiencing the fastest growth in oil demand in more than 25 years. This text is based on the 'Energy Futures' research conference in November 2005 and brings together energy experts of rather different analytical views, doctrinal convictions and stakeholder affiliation to discuss the implications and growth of the oil industry.

Corporate moves towards focused production and outsourcing, governmental reforms involving privatization and deregulation and the globalization of trade and investments promise large efficiency gains. However, the necessary coordination mechanisms call for regulatory approval and policy guidelines to safeguard these undertakings against abuse, which in turn are held up against the test of administrative efficiency and global regulatory competition. The question is: what standard will ultimately inspire policy, satisfy administration and be acceptable to parties inside and outside of a given...

Strategies, Markets and Governance addresses governance concerns at firm, industry, country and international levels.

Strategies, Markets and Governance addresses governance concerns at firm, industry, country and international levels. How do regulatory authorities deal with new business models, organizational structures and blurring market relations? What limits regulatory control and what are the implications of corporate self-regulation? What drives the spread of new regulation and what limits its effectiveness? How does 'the organized public' shape political and corporate interests and what is its legitimacy and impact on business? How do corporate strategies turn tighter regulation into profit...

Ralf Boscheck looks to the various approaches of institutional and constitutional economics to complement traditional market models in shaping policies to govern increasingly complex market conditions. This book clarifies, integrates, and applies diverse perspectives to salient issues of governance and presents them in an accessible manner.