Abstract

In this paper the mutual influences between Engineering and Economics in recent centuries are analysed. After the First Industrial Revolution in the Eighteenth century, Industrial Engineering and Economics of Industry interacted on the theme of large companies, both private and State-owned ones, sometimes led by engineers. Business Schools and new University teachings were established. In the second half of the Twentieth century, the Theory of Systems alongside Mathematical Economics or Management Engineering, was developed. At the end of that century, Technology Engineering favoured the birth of several industrial districts in Italy, that were then studied by Industry Organization and Industrial Policy.