The reality is that most economists still adhere to the tenets of the Aggregate Demand Model and as a result, those who might identify with the development of RIP are less numerous or even known. Having said this many in industry are actively engaged in parts of the RIP process but policies have not provided any support for this approach.

As a result a thinly populated network is the only way to bring like-thinking individuals, who do not need to be economists, into a network to enable communications and the sharing of contributions to the further development and dissemination of information on RIP

The development of the network

We hope the network will grow as a result of economists and others engaging with this initiative by commenting on the publications posted under "Publications" by CEN. Some of these publications willbe works in progress and are indicated by the sub-title, "working paper". Readers are encourged to criticise, request clarifications as well as elaborate threads on aspects that might have been overlooked.

Current working paper: 3.Contributions of the Real Incomes Approach to economic thought - A resumé This working paper paper can be downloaded in its current state of advance. Issues raised: Perhaps some coverage on the "Pigou Effect" should feature in this text somewhere; In previous articles McNeill has referred to Schumpeter's consideration that the value of profits is that they guaratee future operations and employment and McNeill has, under "paradoxes", referred to the constraints and constitutional impacts of government revenue-seeking in constraining the opportunities for raising real wages. This is caused by labour being assigned to an accounting costs category in the calculation of profits for the purposes of estimatng corporate tax. It is thought that these considerations are valid and worth adding to the content of the main list that this working paper describes. Full details for the footnote references in the working paper are being assembled and will be added in due course.

These documents have not been assigned ISBNs because they are subject to updates and a final review. Those contributing substantive additional content will be acknowledged by name in the final version. Those adding substantial additional and valid content will be recognisd as co-authors. Separate texts sent in under single or multiple authors that are supportive of, or qualify RIP can be pubished by CEN following review.

In this way we hope a working Network will come into being.

Knowledge extension and education

The use of the word "extension" derives from the name given to an educational development in England when the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge became concerned about assisting their local regions with the provision of practical instruction to help promote economic development. In 1867 that a first practical attempt was made in what was designated "university extension." By the 1890s agricultural subjects were being covered by field lecturers in rural areas. It isn't clear if this British initiative was motivated by the example of Land Grant Colleges in the USA with University of Michigan being the first agricultural university founded in 1855. The term extension services is synonymous with advisory services.

From theory to practice

An essential aspect of knowledge dissemination is to not only explain RIP in theoretical terms but more importantly to set out ways and means of assisting business understand the business rules that would apply within RIP. Another perspective is to explain to policy makers how to introduce and manage RIP at the national level.

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There is no formal connection between the Cambridge-Economics.net and the University of Cambridge or the Faculty of Economics at Cambridge University.