The European enterprise as a key-player in the European economic model. A historical perspective

The enterprise is a key player in the European economic model. An analysis in historical perspective can contribute to better define its identity, helping the implementation of effectual industrial policies during the actual of economic crisis and political divergences within the Union. In my article I present the results of a collective research, still in progress, aiming to identify the native characters - a kind of genetic code - of the European enterprise since the end of 19th century. Despite the differences between the various models of capitalism, we attempt to verify the existence of at least four genetic traits common to the sample of firms studied in major European countries. In our research hypothesis, the “genetic code” of European enterprise is influenced by at least one or more of these four elements: A) Contractual cooperation, cartels and concerted practices. B) Personal or family business, determining the diffusion and relevance of small and medium firms. C) Active role of substitutive factors: the State and the universal bank. D) Strong influence of the workers and their organization.