Articles

• Stefan F. Stefanov — New Bulgarian University

  THE NEO-LIBERAL PLATFORM OF THE TRANSITION TO MARKET ECONOMY – SPECIFICS AND CONSEQUENCES

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  The subject of analysis is the nature of the market reforms in the Central and East European (CEE) countries and especially the strong influence of the Washington Consensus as a set of neo-liberal policies that was imposed by the International Monetary Fund on developing and transition countries during the third wave of globalization of the world economy. The consequences of the neo-liberal policies are investigated mainly in the following aspects: i) as a source of misalignment of means and goals in the market reform agenda; ii) as a factor retarding the building of genuine market institutions in the region; iii) as a generator of negative shocks on both external and internal aggregate demand eventually causing a deep and long- lasting recession; iv) as one of the reasons for increasing poverty, inequality and corruption in the economy of transition countries.

• Vassil Tsanov — Economic Research Institute аt BAS

  Bogdan Bogdanov

  MEASURING POVERTY IN BULGARIA

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  The analysis of poverty is based on the statistical information from "Multi-topic Household Survey (MHS)" – a survey carried out in 2003 as a collaboration of the National Statistical Institute, the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, and the World Bank. The paper presents a detailed interpretation of the statistical information and the basic characteristics of the aggregates "Net income" and "Consumption", used in poverty evaluation. Poverty is studied by applying the three widely used approaches (absolute, relative and subjective) and related methods. The critical evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of the particular approaches and methods helps select a poverty line, suitable to our conditions. The obtained results are compared to the results from previous and similar studies in European countries.

• Kamen Mirkovich — University of National and World Economy

  POLITICAL ECONOMY AND ECONOMICS: CRITICISM OF ATTITUDES TOWARDS SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  This paper presents a detailed criticism of U. M. Ossipov's thesis concerning the science of Economics, which he claims to be drifting away from its subject and who, in that connection, advocates the return of economic science to its classical and philosophical foundations. A constructive criticism of Ossipov's thesis is offered, and the need for synthesizing economics and political economy into theoretical economy is substantiated. In it, besides the theory of marginal utility, there must also be developed the theory of marginal value, and they should be given equal standing in economic science.

• Stoyadin Savov — University of National and World Economy

  THE “BULGARIAN PARADOX” – ECONOMIC GROWTH WHICH GIVES RISE TO NO OPTIMISM

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  This paper challenges the formulation of the paradox "there is growth, but it gives rise to no optimism". The thesis that economic growth stirs up no optimism, because it does not lead to raising the level and quality of life of low- income groups of the population is defended. Its macroeconomic indicators are interpreted not only from the standpoint of the average Bulgarian, but also in terms of the income distribution in decile groups. In an attempt to answer that question, there have been formulated 6 hypotheses, the fifth of which is "the dynamics of social inequality and the loss of social status during the years of transition". It is the most reliable, but is poorly justified and has been ignored in the discussions. This article gives some of the viewpoints on those issues.

• Irena Zareva — Economic Research Institute аt BAS

  HUMAN CAPITAL AS A MAIN ELEMENT OF INTANGIBLE ASSETS

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  Conceptual aspects of human capital are examined in the light of intangible assets. Their growing importance in the contemporary conditions of development are outlined. A comparative characteristic and assessment of human capital, its formation and utilization in Bulgaria is made with the help of internationally adopted indicators and their comparison with those in economically developed and candidate countries.

• Vesselin Mintchev — Economic Research Institute аt BAS

  EXTERNAL MIGRATION FROM BULGARIA AT THE BEGINNING OF THE XXI CENTURY: ESTIMATES OF POTENTIAL EMIGRANTS’ ATTITUDES AND PROFILE

  Abstract ▾ PDF

  The emigration potential is estimated, as well as the profile of settlers and the temporary long-term and short-term Bulgarian emigrants. The difference between the actual emigration and the generally declared intention to travel abroad is discussed. The data from two surveys carried out using the same questionnaire in 2001 and 2003 is used. When identifying the profile of emigrants there have been established two types of variables: demographics; employment, education and previous stay abroad. There are used standard cross-tabulations and binary logit-models. Three individual logit-models for each type of emigrant are estimated. It is emphasized that: the immediate emigration potential from Bulgaria (within the current year) does not differ dramatically from that of the countries of Central Europe; age and previous stay abroad are among the most important determinants of emigration attitudes of Bulgarian citizens; employment, education and incomes do not have the expected influence. It is argumented that migratory policies, based on restrictions and bilateral agreements (in their European version), could hardly be effective under the conditions of the newly created migration networks and the business which has found a niche in the provision of emigration services.