A Political Economy Approach to the Neoclassical Gradualist Model of Transition

Abstract.  A political economy approach to the neoclassical gradualist model of transition requires the exposition of what I define the primary elements of the model, which are economic analysis, definition of a good society, speed, political structure, ideological structure and whether the initial conditions were incorporated in the model. After the identification of the primary elements of the neoclassical gradualist model the next step is to identify secondary elements, the desired changes with respect to price liberalization-stabilization, privatization, institutional structure, monetary policy and the financial system, fiscal policy, international trade and foreign aid and social policy. The analytical framework developed makes possible to understand the neoclassical gradualist model from a new and more enlightening perspective. We are better able to comprehend the complexities involved and the disagreements about the reform process. The adoption of a gradual process of transition did not only involve specifying the required policies of a successful transition but also entailed a process, a sequence by which the reforms should be introduced. As such, a process of transition consistent with the policies recommended by the neoclassical gradualists economists is developed. The conclusion reveals the inconsistencies in the model.     

Exchange rate volatility and regime change: A Visegrad comparison

We analyze exchange rate volatility in the Visegrad Four countries during the period in which they abandoned tight regimes for more flexible ones. We account for path dependency, asymmetric shocks, and movements in interest rates. In addition, we allow for a generalized error distribution. The overall findings are that path-dependent volatility has a limited effect on exchange rate developments and that the introduction of floating regimes tends to increase exchange rate volatility. During the period of flexible regimes, volatility was mainly driven by surprises. Asymmetric effects of news tend to decrease volatility under the floating regime. Interest differentials impact exchange rate volatility contemporaneously under either regime, although we find no intertemporal effect of interest differentials. Journal of Comparative Economics 34 (4) (2006) 727–753.     

CORPORATE CAPITAL STRUCTURE AND HOW SOFT BUDGET CONSTRAINTS MAY AFFECT IT

Abstract.  This survey paper examines existing theories of capital structure and related empirical tests with the aim to derive theoretical as well empirically testable predictions about the implications of the soft budget constraint for corporate capital structure. We show that the soft budget constraint syndrome is relevant for a variety of institutional environments, from central planning to capitalist economic systems, and consider features of company financing patterns in various institutional contexts. Special attention is paid to emerging and transition economies where, with the development of financial markets, companies reduce their financial dependence on the state and begin to borrow from a variety of sources. However, due to the persistence of soft budget constraints, corporate capital structure in transition and emerging economies may still deviate significantly from the capital structure of companies operating under hard budget constraints.     

Integration of family-owned business succession with turnover and life cycle models: Development of a successor retention process model

Family-owned businesses face a unique obstacle: continuation of the business through intergenerational transfer. Most family-owned businesses cease when the next generation does not enter the business. This paper develops parallels between failed intergenerational transfer and voluntary turnover. Based on past research, we develop a taxonomy of characteristics hypothesized to influence intergenerational transfer in family-owned businesses. We, then, integrate these dimensions with prominent turnover and socialization theories to propose a successor retention process model. Implications for research are described.     

Transition economies and trust building: a network perspective on EU enlargement

Many transition economies are characterised by a relativelyrudimentary institutional framework. Weak legislative structuresand the absence of effective market regulation and propertyright enforcement rules diminish the chance of mutually profitablebusiness transactions and—more generally—restrictthe chances for innovation and sustainable growth. Against thisbackground, we analyse the extent to which more efficient governancemechanisms can contribute to a more favourable business environment.In doing so, we adopt a network perspective. We argue that bothin developed market economies as well as in centrally plannedeconomies much of economic exchange takes place in networks.However, the characteristics of these networks, in particularthe concept of trust, can differ significantly. This leads usto conclude that the real challenge of the process of economictransition is connected to building new economic exchange networks.In this paper, we discuss this argument and analyse how thecurrent enlargement of the EU into Eastern Europe may favourablyaffect this process of institutional change in the accessioncountries.     

经济驱动力与GDP增长关系的实证研究———基于经济动力结构优化视角

以改革开放30年以来的投资、消费、出口与经济增长为研究对象,分析三驾马车对我国经济在不同阶段的动力作用。结合现实经济发展,剖析了各阶段的动力特点。下一阶段,要通过调整三驾马车的增长质量,提高经济发展水平,实现经济增长动力的结构优化。     

中美汇率利率互动效应研究：2000-2011

本文应用非线性平滑转换模型研究了2000-2011年中美名义汇率与名义利差之间的动态非线性关系．研究发现：中美名义汇率与名义利差之间存在着负相关关系,汇率对利率的影响呈现出非对称性特征。当名义汇率在7—8之间时,汇率的变动会引起两国利差的较大变动;当人民币被高估或低估时,汇率对利率的影响程度大大降低。     

化石能源耗竭与气候变化约束下的经济低碳转型

本文构建了一个包含产品生产、技术研发、新能源生产和温室气体减排四个部门的内生增长模型;并运用最优控制理论,研究了在化石能源耗竭与气候变化约束下,经济低碳转型中的一系列关键变量的长期行为方式和中短期平衡增长路径;进而刻画了劳动力在各部门间的配置和转移、化石能源价格、排放空间价格对能源结构、碳强度、消费、单位劳动碳减排量、单位劳动产出等变量的影响机制;同时揭示了运用一些政策工具实现经济低碳转型的时机选择。     

外贸可持续发展的战略研究——以湖南省为例

对外贸易是推动湖南经济快速增长的重要力量.面对当前国内外形势发生的一系列重大变化,外贸发展已进入重要的战略转型期.湖南要实现对外贸易发展的新突破,在更大范围、更广领域和更高层面上参与国内外竞争,就必须加快转变外贸增长方式,可持续发展的外贸发展方式是湖南走向成功的必经之路.本文在介绍新世纪以来湖南对外贸易发展基本状况的基础上,结合运用图表数据分析,并运用经济管理相关理论知识对湖南近年来外贸可持续发展状况进行综合评价分析,最后就湖南外贸可持续发展的战略选择提出相关建议.     

住房保障与财富效应逆转——基于平滑转换回归方法的实证分析

本文采取非线性的平滑转换回归方法,对我国保障房供给影响财富效应的程度进行了研究,结果表明:保障房的供给会使得房地产价格的财富效应发生V型逆转,即当保障房供给处于低水平阶段时,房地产价格的财富效应为负向,房价上涨会抑制消费增加;当保障房供给处于高水平阶段时,房地产价格具有正向的财富效应,房价上涨促进消费增加。这说明存在一个保障房供给的最低门槛,只有跨越这个门槛,才能有利于发挥房地产价格的财富效应,进而促进消费。从对全国各省份的数据分析发现,西部地区的大部分省份已经跨越了保障房供给的最低门槛,而东部地区较多的省份,连续几年都低于这个门槛值。因此,应积极建立健全保障性安居工程的融资机制,合理协调好保障房与商品房用地之间的关系,进而促进消费。