Fabián Estapé, introducer of Schumpeter in Spain

Abstract

The spread of Joseph Schumpeter's work in Spain by Fabián Estapé (1923-2012) is part of the interpretation of economic theories from the perspective of national histories of economic thought. Professor of Economic Policy, rector of the University of Barcelona, high official of the technocratic governments, from his pioneering analysis in 1950 "Professor Schumpeter and the future of the economic system", his interest in the great Austrian economist was permanent. Estapé introduced the author of Theory of economic development through a double track. The first was to promote the principles of “creative destruction” in business circles and in the Government, with the aim of achieving the definitive modernization of the Spanish economy in the “Golden Age” (1945-1973). The second was rooted in the propagation of the notion of “cultural indeterminacy of socialism” —the risks of premature socialization—
from the university chair and his collaborations in the media. In both cases, the editorial work of Estapé recognizing Schumpeter was essential.