ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: The process of improving the economy's ability to satisfy consumers wants and needs. Unlike economic growth, which is concerned with year to year increases in production, economic development deals more with the basic fabric of society, especially the institutions that govern the way our economy and society functions. As such, a lesser developed nation is not only likely to have a low levels of production and limited amount capital, but also cultural beliefs and government practices that prevent more effective use of the capital. See also | economic growth | living standard | investment | capital | production possibilities | production | real gross domestic product |
