Principles of Business Economics — Nellis & Parker
An accessible foundation. Thomas and Maurice’s Managerial Economics adds quantitative depth; Farnham’s Economics for Managers connects analysis to decisions.
Recommended reading
Economics
Combine business economics with critical perspectives on value and innovation.
Mariana Mazzucato’s work
The Entrepreneurial State considers public investment in innovation; The Value of Everything questions value creation and extraction; Mission Economy examines mission-led policy; The Big Con, with Rosie Collington, critiques consulting dependence.
How to use this reading
Start with business economics, then compare the critical arguments. Mazzucato’s perspective raises useful questions, but implementation capacity and the treatment of unsuccessful public investment deserve scrutiny.