nep-cis New Economics Papers
on Confederation of Independent States
Issue of 2014‒10‒22
fifteen papers chosen by
Alexander Harin
Modern University for the Humanities

  1. Governors and governing institutions: a comparative study of state-business relations in Russia's regions By Gharafutdinova, Gulnaz; Kisunko, Gregory
  2. Defense economy and military reform in Russia in 2013 By Vitaly Tsymbal
  3. Russia’s military and financial policy in 2013 By Vasily Zatsepin
  4. Farm Support in Russia and Ukraine under the Rules of the WTO By Brink, Lars
  5. The Dynamics of Residential Housing Commissioning in Russia By Georgy Malginov; G. Sternik
  6. Extending The Scope Of Antitrust Legislation Over The Area Of Exclusive Ip-Rights Exercise: Evidence From Russia By Mikhail S. Zhuravlev
  7. Key Trends in Russia’s Educational System in 2013 By Tatiana Klyachko
  8. The Land Plots Market in Russia in 2013 By Georgy Zadonsky
  9. Modern Models Of Interaction Between Business And Government In Russia: Corporatism Or Pluralism? By Alexander N. Shokhin; Kirill Kisel
  10. Integrated Health Care Payment Methods: Typology, Evidence And Pre-Conditions Of Implementation By Igor M. Sheiman
  11. Republic of Kazakhstan: 2014 Article IV Consultation-Staff Report; Press Release By International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
  12. Republic of Belarus: 2014 Article IV Consultation-Staff Report; Press Release; and Statement by the Executive Director for the Republic of Belarus By International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
  13. Systemic Interbank Network Risks in Russia By A. V. Leonidov; E. L. Rumyantsev
  14. A Comparative Analysis Of Euroregion Development Under Different Institutional Circumstances By Sergey Barinov; Petr Kiryushin
  15. Land conflicts in North Caucasus: intensifying the confrontation By Konstantin Kazenin

  1. By: Gharafutdinova, Gulnaz; Kisunko, Gregory
    Abstract: The paper uses the latest 2011 round of the Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey for the Russian Federation, which for the first time was designed to be representative of Russian regions. The paper takes a closer look at regional-level factors influencing the business environment in Russia and, more specifically, conditions that favor the emergence of symbiotic relations between regional authorities and regional businesses. Considering the argued significance of informal rules, norms, and agreements for the regional-level business environment in Russia, the paper uses proxy variables such as tenure and origin of regional governors to identify how these rules are being institutionalized. The findings reveal that, at least in case of Russia, juxtaposing the state and business actors as separate and opposed to each other may overstate the distinction between these two groups of actors and understate the fact that many localities in Russia have witnessed the emergence of mutually beneficial state-business arrangements. Defining whether these arrangements are beneficial or harmful to regional development is beyond the scope of this exploratory paper.
    Keywords: Environmental Economics&Policies,Regional Economic Development,Common Property Resource Development,Teaching and Learning,Parliamentary Government
    Date: 2014–09–01
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:7038&r=cis
  2. By: Vitaly Tsymbal (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: This paper deals with the issues related to Russia’s military-industrial complex, military construction, defense procurements, recruitment policy, new weapons procurements
    Keywords: Russian military-industrial complex, recruitment policy
    JEL: H56
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:199&r=cis
  3. By: Vasily Zatsepin (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: This paper deals with Russia’s military policy and with a wide range of issues related to funding the defense program.
    Keywords: Russian military industrial complex, defense program
    JEL: H56
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:197&r=cis
  4. By: Brink, Lars
    Keywords: Crop Production/Industries, Production Economics,
    Date: 2013–12
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ags:iats13:182481&r=cis
  5. By: Georgy Malginov (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy); G. Sternik (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: The situation in Russia’s residential housing market over the past year was largely determined by the near-stagnation macroeconomic situation and the current phase of market development, which resulted in a multi-vectored movement of prices in the housing markets of different cities, because in most of them the period of post-crisis recovery was already over, while some cities were still struggling with the consequences of the crisis
    Keywords: Russian economy, house construction, house prices
    JEL: R21 R31 R52
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:202&r=cis
  6. By: Mikhail S. Zhuravlev (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
    Abstract: This paper deals with the issues of competition law and IP law interaction. Current Russian legislation provides absolute immunity from extending the antitrust prohibitions over the exercise of exclusive IP-rights. The idea of the article is that this approach needs to be revised. Russian court practice, legal doctrine and economic theory necessitate more flexible antitrust regulation in the area of IP. The analysis of US, EU, and Japanese models of legal regulation has revealed different approaches to the issues of antitrust policy in this field of social relations. Therefore, this paper suggests a different concept of regulation¬ – keep the general immunity from the application of antitrust prohibitions to rightholders, but make it conditional. At the same time, in order to ensure the optimal balance between private and public interests and to maintain the incentives for innovative activity, antitrust legislation should provide a system of guarantees for rightholders
    Keywords: competition law, IP law, anticompetitive exercise of IP-rights, Russian antitrust legislation, economic approach, balance of interests, amendments to legislation
    JEL: K21
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:39/law/2014&r=cis
  7. By: Tatiana Klyachko (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: This paper deals with a wide range of educational system in Russia. ?
    Keywords: Russian educational institutions, educational reform
    JEL: I21 I22 I23 I24 I25 I28
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:195&r=cis
  8. By: Georgy Zadonsky (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: This paper deals with a wide range of issues related to the land market in Russia.
    Keywords: Russian economy, land market
    JEL: G21 K11 L74 L85 R14 R21 R31
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:203&r=cis
  9. By: Alexander N. Shokhin (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Kirill Kisel (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
    Abstract: This work focuses on studying and defining the modern models of interaction between business and government. The fact that Russia is in a new stage of development and a course of modernization, for better interaction between business and government there is a need for institutionalized cooperation, daily dialogue, and a system of a joint goal-setting and decision-making. This work identifies the characteristic features of the interaction model between business and government through business associations. In this working paper we analyze different approaches to the problem of interaction between business and government. According to Russian realities we suggested the typologization of models of interaction between business and government. This typology is based on an analysis of the institutional practices in leading foreign states. The empirical base of research is a series of interviews with representatives of the business community, the heads and staff of business structures, business associations and public authorities. This paper shows that a model of interaction between business and government through business associations is the most effective for the Russian Federation. In this study several different tasks are solved: to examine existing approaches to business and government interaction; to compare existing models of interaction between business and government; to characterize institutional practices in foreign countries.
    Keywords: business, government, interaction, GR, policy making, interest groups, lobbying, business associations
    JEL: Z
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:14/ps/2014&r=cis
  10. By: Igor M. Sheiman (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
    Abstract: Many countries have recently started the search for new payments methods with the specific objective to encourage integration in health care delivery – teamwork of providers, their coordination and continuity of care. This paper suggests the typology of three major integrated payment methods – pay-for-performance, episode based bundled payment and global payment. A brief overview of these methods in the USA and Europe, including Russia, indicates that there is still no strong evidence of their effects on integration and other dimensions of medical service delivery performance. It is argued that relative to other integrated methods global payment is the most promising method, since it provides incentives for comprehensive organizational changes. The major pre-conditions for global payment implementation are risk bearing in integrated networks, shared savings schemes, performance transparency system, infrastructure for coordination and collaboration. It is also argued that global payment is hard to implement – mostly due to a high probability of excessive financial risks placed on providers in integrated networks. The activities to mitigate these risks are discussed based on the approaches piloted in Russia
    Keywords: medical service integration, integrated payment methods, pay-for-performance, episode based bundled payment, global payment, fundholding.
    JEL: Z
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:18/pa/2014&r=cis
  11. By: International Monetary Fund. Middle East and Central Asia Dept.
    Abstract: KEY ISSUES Context: Solid growth in recent years, supported by high oil prices and output, has boosted living standards. This year, the economy is slowing down, in large part because of weaker domestic and external demand, and regional tensions. Inflation is expected to accelerate temporarily due to the devaluation of the tenge (February 2014). Enhancing the policy architecture and promoting a business environment unencumbered by the state remain key challenges for Kazakhstan to become a dynamic emerging market economy and ensure durable and balanced long-term growth. The recent reappointment of Prime Minister Massimov was accompanied by the authorities’ commitment to speeding up structural reforms. In this context, the government is strengthening its links with the multilateral development banks (MDBs). The May 29 signing of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), with Russia and Belarus, is not expected to have near-term economic effects; medium-term effects will depend on how the Union’s rules and regulations will be implemented. Focus of consultation and key recommendations: Amid uncertain external and domestic environments, the consultation focused on policy measures to mitigate shocks and achieve the authorities’ short- and medium-term objectives, in particular: (i) restoring confidence and stability in the post-devaluation environment; (ii) resolving the nonperforming loans (NPL) problem, in line with the recent FSAP recommendations; (iii) bolstering the monetary and fiscal policy frameworks, as recommended last year; and (iv) accelerating structural reforms, including the implementation of industrialization and diversification policies carefully and transparently. Previous consultation: During the 2013 Article IV Consultation, Directors encouraged the authorities to take advantage of the positive outlook to strengthen the macroeconomic policy architecture, including by (i) showing greater determination to addressing the high level of NPLs; (ii) following through on the planned introduction of a new policy interest rate to enhance the transmission mechanism of monetary policy; and (iii) revamping the medium-term fiscal framework through improved coverage and transparency. Since then, the authorities have been more resolute in dealing with the NPL problem. However, progress in strengthening the monetary and fiscal policy frameworks has been slow.
    Keywords: Article IV consultation reports;Economic growth;Fiscal policy;Fiscal reforms;Monetary policy;Banking sector;Economic indicators;Debt sustainability analysis;Staff Reports;Press releases;Kazakhstan;
    Date: 2014–08–05
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:14/242&r=cis
  12. By: International Monetary Fund. European Dept.
    Abstract: KEY ISSUES Context: Attempts to boost activity with policy stimulus, in lieu of much-needed structural reform, have failed to raise growth and contributed to large external imbalances. Adverse developments in the region further cloud the outlook. High financing needs and low buffers leave Belarus highly dependent on external financial support. The risk of disorderly adjustment remains high. Challenges: Mitigating immediate risks and facilitating external adjustment through a sharp change in macroeconomic policies. Advancing the transition to a market-based economy to raise sustainable growth. Policy recommendations: • Halt wage increases and reduce subsidized lending to slow demand growth; • Reduce foreign exchange interventions and tighten monetary policy to facilitate external adjustment; • Enhance market orientation of the economy through a rapid phase-out of price controls and mandatory targets and by privatization of state-owned enterprises.
    Keywords: Article IV consultation reports;Fiscal policy;Fiscal reforms;Wage increases;Monetary policy;Intervention;Banking sector;Bank supervision;Economic indicators;Debt sustainability analysis;Staff Reports;Press releases;Belarus;
    Date: 2014–07–25
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfscr:14/226&r=cis
  13. By: A. V. Leonidov; E. L. Rumyantsev
    Abstract: Modelling of contagion in interbank networks is discussed. A model taking into account bow-tie structure and dissasortativity of interbank networks is developed. The model is shown to provide a good quantitative description of the Russian interbank market. Detailed arguments favoring the non-percolative nature of contagion-related risks in the Russian interbank market are given.
    Date: 2014–10
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:1410.0125&r=cis
  14. By: Sergey Barinov (National Research University Higher School of Economics); Petr Kiryushin (National Research University Higher School of Economics)
    Abstract: Euroregions are an important and quite popular mechanism of cross-border cooperation. The character of institutional development differs principally between three groups of states that use this mechanism: old members of the European Union; new members of the European Union (entered the EU after 2003); and CIS members. This comparative research is concerned with the main circumstances of Euroregions development in the three areas noted above. The analyses show the fundamental differences between three Euroregion cases: Oresund, Pskov-Livonia, and Dnieper. The noticeable differences are found in legislative, finance, and cooperation issues, but also in the creation of the four basic Euroregions principles. At the same time, after fifteen years of copying the Euroregions, post-soviet countries have seen positive shifts occur in CIS members’ government perception and in the decision making process.
    Keywords: Euroregion, cross-border cooperation, institutional research, Oresund, Dnieper, Pskov-Livonia
    JEL: Z
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hig:wpaper:06/ir/2014&r=cis
  15. By: Konstantin Kazenin (Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy)
    Abstract: Land conflicts in 2013 continued to occupy an important position in the socio-economic and political agenda in the North Caucasus.
    Keywords: North Caucasus, Dagestan Republic
    JEL: R10 R11 R12 R13 R14
    Date: 2014
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gai:ppaper:201&r=cis

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