Essential Economics for Heritage

Abstract

Essential Economics for Heritage introduces tools from economics to help students and heritage professionals who face economic issues and choices in their day-to-day work in archaeology, museum and site management, and heritage research, presentation and conservation. The book begins with an easy-to-follow primer linking heritage and economic theory. Case studies and non-technical explanations of theoretical issues follow, along with useful analytical approaches and practical insights that will support readers as they make decisions on allocating scarce financial, physical and human resources. Peter G. Gould critically evaluates the role of heritage in the world economy and the tools economists have created to value heritage resources. He applies economic concepts and methods to real-world challenges including heritage tourism, the role of heritage in economic development, heritage sustainability, investment decision making and financing for heritage organizations. He explores emerging directions in the often-contentious relationships among international agencies, national governments, the private sector and communities in the management of heritage. The book’s scope is global. It draws on examples from wealthy countries in the Global North and from low- to middle-income countries that often depend on heritage resources to fuel tourist economies. Essential Economics for Heritage is an invaluable resource for heritage practitioners and can serve as a textbook or auxiliary text for courses in archaeology, heritage site or museum management, conservation and other heritage fields.