For over a decade, central and eastern Europe has been at the center of one of the most profound economic and political transformation in history. At the start of the 1990's, the region embarked on an ambitious reform program to depart from central planning towards more market-based economies. A decade later, and amid significant difficulties, the region has achieved remarkable accomplishments, with several countries becoming increasingly integrated into the global economy. Political structures have been transformed and new institutions have emerged. Indeed, the progress in structural reforms achieved in the region has been so substantial that several countries are now at the threshold of European Union membership. Aware of the significance of the successful integration of central and eastern Europe into the global economy, the World Economic Forum and Harvard University are proud to introduce The European Competitiveness and Transition Report, a thorough review of the transition process that has unfolded in the last decade. This comprehensive report presents new data and expert commentary on what the facts say about the enlargement of the European Union and the competitiveness and growth potential of both Europe and the candidate countries. It addresses the many important factors that will determine how these countries will fare in terms of economic growth over the next ten to twenty years. Written by independent experts, The European Competitiveness and Transition Report 2001-2002 is a truly unique data-driven guide that lays out the facts and reveals the real issues behind European enlargement.

This report gives an in-depth look at the major factors influencing competitiveness in Latin America, trying to assess the position of these countries, as well as indicating policies and actions to be promoted to improve their current situation.

There is now a wide spread interest in regions as a key focus in the organization and governance of economic growth and wealth creation. This important book considers the factors that influence and shape the competitive performance of regions. This is not just an issue of academic interest and debate, but also of increasing policy deliberation and action. However, as the readings in this book make clear, the very idea of regional competitiveness is itself complex and contentious. Many academics and policy makers have used the concept without fully considering what is meant by the term and how it can be measured. Policy formulation has tended to rush ahead of understanding and analysis, and the purpose of this book is to close this important gap in understanding. This book was previously published as a special issue of Regional Studies.

Publishes in-depth articles on labor subjects, current labor statistics, information about current labor contracts, and book reviews.

Publishes in-depth articles on labor subjects, current labor statistics, information about current labor contracts, and book reviews.

Edited by a leading scholar in transition economics, this book examines the nations that make up the so-called 'New-Europe' to look at the economic competitiveness in comparison with each other and the rest of Europe.

This book consists of articles on the current institutional, economic, and managerial transformation and its impediments in Central and Eastern Europe as well as East Asia. Comparison in the Euro-Asian dimension, as this book is structured, is worldwide unique. Particular emphasis is placed on the general role of the state, institutions (internal and external), other transformation actors and their interplay with underlying specific structural and cultural features for economic systems. Further, empirical sector-, issue-centered and, in particular, country case studies are provided. Contributions have been made by scholars and experts with long experience in transformation analysis.

This report focuses upon aspects of energy production, consumption and efficiency within the transition economies of the countries in central eastern Europe and the Baltic states, south-eastern Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The report is divided into two sections. Part I considers issues of macroeconomic performance and future prospects for growth. Part II contains an analysis of the primary and secondary energy sectors in these countries. The report highlights the challenges facing the energy-rich countries in managing their resources prudently. It discusses key policy issues, such as the need to strengthen governance and transparency in the energy sector, and to increase savings to preserve national wealth for future generations. It also looks at tariff reform as a means of improving energy efficiency, and examines ways of ensuring that the poor do not suffer as a result of tariff adjustments. It highlights the complementary role that private investment in the power sector can play in improving energy efficiency, if accompanied by a strong regulatory framework. The report also contains an assessment of the progress towards transition made by each country, on a range of areas including liberalisation and macroeconomic stabilisation.