Economic Growth in the Transition Economies of Central and Eastern Europe

The purpose of the book is to study the factors driving economic growth in the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This approach became important as the transition economies have been going through a process of unprecedented systematic change when factors have become relevant that differ tremendously from those in ‘more orderly’ economic environments. The author applies empirical methods to study the past development during transition – in both economic and non-economic terms – as well as the countries‘ current level of development across a number of dimensions by using an innovative approach. Theoretical growth models are adopted and developed to outline possible growth prospects. In particular, the mechanisms are highlighted and discussed which may be responsible for a potential divergence of the CEECs from Western Europe.