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on Transition Economics |
| By: | Vasily Astrov (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw); Branimir Jovanović (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw) |
| Abstract: | This article examines trends in population, labour, prices, incomes and consumption across eight Eastern European countries – Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia – between 1950 and 1990. It finds that, despite persistent shortages, economic and social conditions generally improved until the late 1970s. Incomes and consumption rose steadily, and access to education and health care expanded, often at rates comparable to or even surpassing those in some Western European economies. However, the 1980s brought mounting economic challenges, as the state increasingly lost labour to the informal sector, wages and incomes stagnated, inflation surged in several countries, and consumption growth began to slow significantly. wiiw COMECON Dataset https //comecon.wiiw.ac.at/ |
| Keywords: | population, labour, incomes, prices, consumption, living standards, well-being, Eastern Europe, socialism |
| JEL: | N34 P22 P23 P24 |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:wpaper:255 |
| By: | von Cramon-Taubadel, Stephan; Nivievskyi, Oleg |
| Abstract: | In 2016 the EU granted Ukraine trade preferences in the form of tariff rate quotas (TRQs) for agricul- tural products including sugar under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. In June 2022 in response to Russia's attack on Ukraine, the EU extended these preferences to full liberalisa- tion of sugar trade under the so-called Autonomous Trade Measures (ATMs). Prior to 2022, EU imports of sugar from Ukraine were sporadic and never amounted to more than 11% of total EU imports in any given month. However, in late 2022 in response to the ATMs, EU imports of white sugar from Ukraine increased, and by late 2023 and early 2024 Ukraine was supplying over 50% of the EU's monthly sugar imports. [...] |
| Keywords: | Sugar, Import, Sugar market, Stakeholders, Ukraine, EU countries |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:daredp:308055 |
| By: | Elhan-Kayalar, Yesim (Asian Development Bank); Kucheryavyy, Konstantin (CUNY Baruch College); Nose, Manabu (International Monetary Fund); Sawada, Yasuyuki (University of Tokyo); Shangguan, Ruo (Jinan University); Thanh Tung, Nguyen (National Economics University) |
| Abstract: | In developing economies, foreign direct investment (FDI) plays a crucial role by providing resources that facilitate participation in international trade and support economic development. Focusing on Viet Nam as a case study, this research aims to quantify the distributional effects of the United States–People’s Republic of China trade dispute across different regions in Viet Nam. By utilizing detailed firm-level and customs data, we demonstrate that FDI in Viet Nam is geographically concentrated in the northern, central, and southern regions. Access to road and port networks significantly influences the choice of FDI locations. Furthermore, we highlight the important role that the foreign affiliates of multinational firms from East Asia and the United States have played in reshaping Viet Nam’s trade flows in the aftermath of the trade dispute between the United States and the People’s Republic of China. This study sheds light on the interplay between transport infrastructure, FDI, and international trade. |
| Keywords: | trade; ports; roads; US–PRC trade dispute; Viet Nam; PRC |
| JEL: | F10 F13 F14 R40 R41 |
| Date: | 2024–12–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ris:adbewp:0761 |
| By: | Doris Hanzl-Weiss (The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies, wiiw) |
| Abstract: | This paper revisits the external economic relations in the former command economies of Central, East and Southeast Europe (CESEE) by exploring historical trade data. It provides a descriptive analysis of foreign trade statistics, drawing on the newly introduced wiiw COMECON Dataset, which contains economic time series of the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (CMEA or COMECON) countries from 1945 to 1994. While trade with the West was limited, the majority of trade took place among the CMEA members states, with the Soviet Union (USSR) serving as the most important partner. The USSR supplied energy and raw materials to its partners in exchange for manufactured products and other goods. However, when examining historical data from CESEE’s command economies, it is important to consider the limitations of data and distinctive features of this economic system. wiiw COMECON Dataset https //comecon.wiiw.ac.at/ |
| Keywords: | Command economies; Central, East and Southeast Europe; international trade; CMEA; COMECON; economic history, historical statistics |
| JEL: | N74 |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:wii:wpaper:256 |
| By: | GRIMMELIKHUIJSEN Stephan; TANGI Luca (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector is now reaching a stage where, drawing on the experience of early pilots and adoptions, EU public administrations are starting to face the challenges of implementing AI solutions. In response, this study investigates AI adoption in the public sector with a twofold goal: Add evidence to the existing body of knowledge to have a better understanding of the dynamics underlying AI adoption in the EU. We do this by providing quantitative (survey) insights into AI readiness and adoption in the public sector, across different country contexts. By offering a picture of the status of AI adoption and readiness in public administrations, we identify the main challenges and drivers of AI adoption, which are required for ensuring AI’s trustworthy use. Define recommendations for managers in the public sector and public administrations. Based on the insights from the first aim, we formulate ways forward to inform policymakers. We surveyed 576 public managers in seven countries: Germany, Spain, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland and Sweden. The sample was diverse in age, job level, organisation size and geographical origin. We asked each of them about the level of AI adoption in their organisation. This was measured in two ways: we asked specifically about the extent to which they thought that their organisation had implemented AI projects in service delivery, internal operations and policy decision-making. Next, we asked about the exact number of projects that were either planned or implemented, with the response options of 0, 1, 2–5 or more than 5. Building on the latest scientific insights, we look at what combination of technological, organisational, environmental and individual-level factors contributes to AI adoption. Based on our research, we have three key conclusions: 1. AI adoption is no longer a promise; it is a reality, in particular for service delivery and internal operations. 2. Soft factors and in-house expertise are important internal factors for AI adoption. 3. Citizen needs are an important external factor for AI adoption. |
| Date: | 2024–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc138684 |
| By: | Davit Gondauri |
| Abstract: | The article examines the impact of 16 key parameters of the Georgian economy on economic inequality, using the Perelman model and Ricci flow mathematical methods. The study aims to conduct a deep analysis of the impact of socio-economic challenges and technological progress on the dynamics of the Gini coefficient. The article examines the following parameters: income distribution, productivity (GDP per hour), unemployment rate, investment rate, inflation rate, migration (net negative), education level, social mobility, trade infrastructure, capital flows, innovative activities, access to healthcare, fiscal policy (budget deficit), international trade (turnover relative to GDP), social protection programs, and technological access. The results of the study confirm that technological innovations and social protection programs have a positive impact on reducing inequality. Productivity growth, improving the quality of education, and strengthening R&D investments increase the possibility of inclusive development. Sensitivity analysis shows that social mobility and infrastructure are important factors that affect economic stability. The accuracy of the model is confirmed by high R^2 values (80-90%) and the statistical reliability of the Z-statistic ( |
| Date: | 2025–01 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:arx:papers:2501.00800 |
| By: | RUEDA CANTUCHE Jose Manuel (European Commission - JRC); LOPEZ ALVAREZ Jorge (European Commission - JRC); PEDAUGA Luis (European Commission - JRC); CATALAN PIERA Alba (European Commission - JRC) |
| Abstract: | The EU automotive industry has important upstream linkages that affect EU regions in a different way, depending on their position into the global value chain of the automotive industry. Therefore, policy measures addressing the EU automotive industry need to take into consideration upstream regions and upstream industries that may not be characterised by a strong automotive industry but instead supply other regions with components or innovative designs for automotive production. By using the EU Automotive Regions Alliance as a cluster of strong automotive regions in the EU, this policy brief shows the relevance of upstream interregional linkages with other regions and industries across EU Member States. On average, one third of the value added generated in the automotive industry of the Alliance regions (e.g. in Eastern European regions) is due to upstream linkages of other regions outside the Alliance. Upstream linkages of the automotive industry in the Alliance regions generate, on average, 20% of the total value added of the automotive industry of other regions outside the Alliance (e.g. Central Slovakia, Madrid and Cantabria). The uniqueness of this analysis is that it provides policymakers a deeper look into the EU territorial interdependencies of a specific industry (i.e. automotive) beyond the standard geographical country-wise definition. |
| Date: | 2024–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ipt:iptwpa:jrc139405 |
| By: | Ibadoghlu, Gubad |
| Abstract: | The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of Azerbaijan's energy cooperation with Europe. It covers the supply of fossil fuels (oil and gas) and green energy, examining both retrospective and prospective dimensions. The analysis includes production levels, transport infrastructure, potential opportunities in this sector, and challenges, calling for further investigation. The article also assesses possible development scenarios and prospects for gas, oil, and renewable energy sources in Azerbaijan's energy sector. The first part covers the current status and prospects of Azerbaijan's gas production, consumption, transportation, and export. The second and third parts analyze and evaluate the status of the oil and renewable energy sectors, respectively. |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:esprep:306913 |
| By: | Hartwig, Renate; Japaridze, Dimitri; Khetsuriani, Nana; Vollmer, Sebastian |
| Abstract: | Evidence on how digital technologies, such as online health information platforms, affect the doctorpatient relationship in general, and the diagnosis and treatment of patients in particular, is still limited. In this study, we explore the effects of alternative information from an online source on the diagnosis and treatment behavior of doctors in Tbilisi, Georgia. We use data from standardized patient visits and assess quality of care on the basis of case management of diabetes type II - a disease which is on the rise in Georgia. We find that doctors do not respond to the information signal and that case management is unaffected by the information provided. This finding holds across a number of dimensions of clinical case management, including the number of symptoms checked, the number of clinical tests performed, the time spent with the patient and the costs charged for consultations and medical tests. |
| Abstract: | Die Erkenntnisse darüber, wie digitale Technologien wie Online-Plattformen für Gesundheitsinformationen die Beziehung zwischen Arzt und Patient im Allgemeinen und die Diagnose und Behandlung von Patienten im Besonderen beeinflussen, sind noch begrenzt. In dieser Studie untersuchen wir die Auswirkungen von alternativen Informationen aus einer Online-Quelle auf das Diagnose- und Behandlungsverhalten von Ärzten in Tiflis, Georgien. Wir verwenden Daten aus standardisierten Patientenbesuchen und bewerten die Qualität der medizinischen Versorgung am Beispiel von Diabetes Typ II - einer Krankheit, die in Georgien auf dem Vormarsch ist. Wir stellen fest, dass die Ärzte nicht auf das Informationssignal reagieren und ihr Verhalten im Bezug auf Untersuchungen und Diagnose nicht durch die bereitgestellten Informationen beeinflusst wird. Dieses Ergebnis gilt für eine Reihe von Dimensionen im Bezug auf das Diagnoseverhalten von Ärzten, wie beispielsweise der Anzahl der überprüften Symptome, der Anzahl der durchgeführten klinischen Tests, sowie Zeit und Kosten. |
| Keywords: | Health care, standardized patient, diabetes |
| JEL: | H42 I11 I18 O15 |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:rwirep:306842 |
| By: | Pechtl, Sarah; ardonova, Mohru; Ergasheva, Tanzila; Lambrecht, Isabel |
| Abstract: | Tajikistan faces food insecurity and multiple forms of malnutrition in its population, with women particularly at risk. Social norms related to gender and intrahousehold hierarchy are pervasive and are commonly upheld in household roles. Yet, how gender may impact dietary intake in Tajikistan remains to be studied. Understanding this mechanism is critical to develop adequate strategies for effective, equitable progress in mitigating malnutrition and food insecurity. mixed-methods study was conducted to assess the extent and identify the drivers of gender-based and intrahousehold differences in dietary intake in Khatlon Province, Tajikistan. Predictors of food intake and dietary diversity were statistically assessed using quantitative survey data from 1, 704 individuals collected in winter- and springtime 2023. Qualitative data from 12 focus group discussions, 20 individual interviews, and 22 Photovoice interviews collected in winter- and springtime 2024 was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to further ascertain and understand these drivers. We find gender differences in dietary diversity, with women reporting lower dietary diversity than men, even when comparing men and women living in the same household. Among women, there are significant differences in dietary diversity based on their role in the household. Gendered social norms and intrahousehold power relations influence food acquisition, preparation, distribution, and consumption. Men, particularly household heads, and children tend to be prioritized over women in consuming food products that are deemed more nutritious (e.g., meat). Women adapt their food intake to meet the expectations and needs of other household members. This study highlights the importance of considering household dynamics and gender roles when creating programs and policies aiming to equitably address food and nutrition insecurity and malnutrition. The findings suggest that mitigating malnutrition in Tajikistan will necessitate gender equity-focused social behavior change interventions targeting women and men across different generations. |
| Keywords: | food security; malnutrition; gender; diet; intrahousehold relations; dietary diversity; Central Asia; Tajikistan |
| Date: | 2024 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:fpr:ifprid:2296 |