
The Economics and Science of Measurement
A Study of Metrology
Albert N. Link(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 9. July 2021
Book
Hardback
80 pages
978-1-032-01440-1 (ISBN)
Description
Metrology is the study of measurement science. Although classical economists have emphasized the importance of measurement per se, the majority of economics-based writings on the topic have taken the form of government reports related to the activities of specific national metrology laboratories. This book is the first systematic study of measurement activity at a national metrology laboratory, and the laboratory studied is the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The primary objective of the book is to emphasize for academic and policy audiences the economic importance of measurement not only as an area of study but also as a tool for sustaining technological advancement as an element of economic growth. Toward this goal, the book offers an overview of the economic benefits and consequences of measurement standards; an argument for public sector support of measurement standards; a historical perspective of the measurement activities at NIST; an empirical analysis of one particular measurement activity at NIST, namely calibration testing; and a roadmap for future research on the economics of metrology.
The primary objective of the book is to emphasize for academic and policy audiences the economic importance of measurement not only as an area of study but also as a tool for sustaining technological advancement as an element of economic growth. Toward this goal, the book offers an overview of the economic benefits and consequences of measurement standards; an argument for public sector support of measurement standards; a historical perspective of the measurement activities at NIST; an empirical analysis of one particular measurement activity at NIST, namely calibration testing; and a roadmap for future research on the economics of metrology.
Reviews / Votes
"Professor Link develops an economic characterization and quantitative analysis of the critical role of measurement infrastructure. As measurement has become ubiquitous in high-tech industries, his assessment is a needed contribution to the rapidly evolving technology focus of modern growth policy." - Gregory Tassey, Economic Policy Research Center, University of Washington and former Chief Economist at NISTMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Postgraduate and Professional
Illustrations
9 s/w Abbildungen, 9 s/w Zeichnungen, 7 s/w Tabellen
7 Tables, black and white; 9 Line drawings, black and white; 9 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 9 mm
Weight
261 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-032-01440-1 (9781032014401)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
01/2023
1st Edition
Routledge
€30.40
Shipment within 10-20 days

E-Book
07/2021
1st Edition
Routledge
€25.99
Available for download

E-Book
07/2021
1st Edition
Routledge
€25.99
Available for download
Person
Albert N. Link is the Virginia Batte Phillips Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, United States.
Content
1. Introduction 2. The Economic Benefits and Consequences of Measurement Standards 3. Public Support of Measurement Standards 4. Measurement Standards Activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology 5. Calibration Testing at the National Institute of Standards and Technology 6. Summary Remarks and a Roadmap for Possible Future Research