Takeoff

Takeoff Definition

Takeoff refers to the crucial and intermediate phase within W.W. Rostow’s model of the five stages of economic development. This stage describes the fundamental transformation of an agricultural society into an industrial one, characterised by significant shifts in investment patterns and technological advancement. A key feature of this period involves increasing the investment of between five and ten per cent of gross national product into the developing sectors of the economy. Furthermore, takeoff is marked by rapid technological developments occurring in the leading economic sectors, which subsequently necessitate the growth of supportive industries designed to service these primary sectors.

Theoretical Origin

The concept originates from the American economic historian Walt W. Rostow’s seminal work, Stages of Economic Growth (1953). Rostow postulated a linear progression of five stages for economic development: traditional society, the pre-conditions for take-off, take-off to maturity, drive to maturity, and maturity. He proposed that this stage represented a distinct historical period, potentially lasting twenty to thirty years, during which the necessary conditions for sustained and relatively rapid economic growth were established, leading to more assured growth thereafter. Rostow applied this framework to the challenges faced by developing nations, indirectly influencing American foreign aid policies towards the Third World.

Critique and Legacy

Although the idea of a takeoff point has held considerable influence, particularly in development discourse, it has been subject to substantial critique from dependency theorists in sociology. Critics argued that Rostow’s model failed to adequately account for the historical context of imperialism and neo-colonialism. This critique was famously articulated by Andre Gunder Frank in his article, ‘Sociology of Development and Underdevelopment of Sociology’ (1967). Consequently, while the specific theory of takeoff is now widely discredited, the concept of a developmental starting point remains embedded within the broader language used to discuss economic development.