Synopses & Reviews
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Central European economies have been moving rapidly toward a common set of goals: political democracy, market-oriented economies and integration into the European and international business community. For businesses, Central Europe offers a unique window of opportunity and, in particular, two comparative advantages: a low-cost qualified workforce and stronger growth rates than mature Western European economies. This opportunity, seized by local entrepreneurs and foreign enterprises alike, is a significant competitive threat to companies not present in the region, or who have not found alternative strategies for increased growth and competitiveness. This book addresses economic transitions in Central Europe and analyzes the problems of Central European integration in the European Union.
Table of Contents
Contributors. Preface and Acknowledgements. Introduction: Organisation of the Book. Abbreviations. 1. Business Strategies for Economies in Transition of Central and Eastern Europe; J.-P. Larçon. 2. Privatisation and Company Restructuring in Central and Eastern Europe: Issues and Progress; S. Estrin. 3. Lessons from Czech Privatisation; I. Nemcova. 4. Development of Financial Markets: The Czech Case; P. Musilek. 5. Competitiveness and Industry Restructuring: The Case of Hungary; A. Chikán, E. Czakó. 6. The Ethical Fabric of a Transformation Economy: The Case of Hungary; L. Zsolnai. 7. Economic Growth and Foreign Direct Investment: The Polish Case; M. Romanowska. 8. Transition and Democracy in Romania: The Pain of a Gradualist Restructuring; S. Alessandrini. 9. Company Co-Operation between Eastern and Western Europe; M. Zagler, C. Ragacs. 10. Swedish Multinationals in Central and Eastern Europe; J.-E. Valne, et al. 11. The Enlargement Challenge; F. Debié. Index.