TY - JOUR AB - Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the serious limitations of neo‐liberal capitalism and urge for a shift to socialized capital before further economic deterioration leads to a succession of global conflicts.Design/methodology/approach– This conceptual paper adopts a macro perspective in presenting argument on how global, financial markets integration and capital flow liberalization have led to inadequate market and corporate governance measures. The argument is couched in a selected literature and is preceded by a proposed solution – the requirement for socialized capital. An analysis of the nature of socialized capital is outlined and the questions that require attention identified if a paradigm shift from neo‐liberal capitalism is to take place.Findings– The need to urgently shift to a new philosophy of capitalism is overwhelming. Emphasized is that capital needs to adopt a socialised identity and is supported by investment horizons of 30 years or more. It is argued that non‐market (e.g. state, NGOs, civil society) intervention is critical in setting appropriate frameworks within which socialized capital can operate.Research limitations/implications– This is a theoretical paper, in which questions are raised which require transparent, public debate.Originality/value– The paper presents the case for a fundamental reconsideration of present day markets, the role of capital and the influence of elites in determining the public good. VL - 6 IS - 1 SN - 1746-5680 DO - 10.1108/17465681111105805 UR - https://doi.org/10.1108/17465681111105805 AU - Reeves Knyght Philip AU - Kakabadse Nada K. AU - Kouzmin Alexander AU - Kakabadse Andrew PY - 2011 Y1 - 2011/01/01 TI - Chronic limitations of neo‐liberal capitalism and oligopolistic markets: An urgent case for socialized capital T2 - Society and Business Review PB - Emerald Group Publishing Limited SP - 7 EP - 26 Y2 - 2024/04/25 ER -