DOI
Doi: 10.1007/s41412-017-0050-7

Summary
The article proposes an analysis of the Neo-Institutionalism approach in light of some insights coming from Complexity Theory. Institutions are seen as their own complex adaptive systems, even if they are nested in larger systems of institutions and the broader economy. Development, in this scenario, coincides with the evolution of institutions. In this article, the adoption of Complexity Theory to the field of economics and institutional analysis appears to vindicate the approaches suggested by the neoclassical Austrian economic school (Hayek, 1964) and the theory of “spontaneous order”, which prescribe laissez-faire and the minimum intervention required for the evolution of institutions. In conclusion, the author suggests the removal of political and other barriers from the path of institutional development, instead of engaging in institution-building to encourage development.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The article appears relevant for the Complex Systems Knowledge not only because adopts complexity theory in a transdisciplinary approach, but also because it does so in an interesting way. In fact, the conclusions drawn by this article appear to be in contrast with the one expressed by many other researches in the field. As many scholars tried to adopt complexity theory in order to design new approaches for Institutional Development and institution-building, the author uses those same insights to promote a complete opposite perspective, one that suggest to avoid interference in the complex scenario of growth and institutional development.

Point of Strength
- The article is transdisciplinary and presents in a rather compelling way the similarities between complexity theory and the New Institutionalism approach.
- The paper proposes an interesting analysis of complexity theory tools, as it draws conclusions that are quite different from the ones claimed by other authors.