Volume 1 Issue 1 (2012)
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It's the end of the world (as we know it): an economist's perspective
Wadim Strielkowski, National University of Ireland, Galway, e-mail: strielkowski@gmail.com and Evgeny Lisin, Moscow Power Engineering Institute, e-mail: lisinym@mpei.ru
Abstract
This paper is dealing with the economic analysis of the consequences of three selected doomsday scenarios that were to take place on the 21st of December 2012. Although most of the devastating scenarios are not of any interest for the economists, since the complete extinction of human race would not leave any subjects for observation and studying, we were able to identify three major scenarios: a) collision with the parallel universe and opening of passages or wormholes, b) discovery of telepathic abilities in humans, and c) unleashing the power of psychokinesis in humans. All three scenarios are analyzed and their implications are described for the world economic relations and global trade.
Keywords: doomsday scenarios, end of the world, 2012, wormholes, telepathy, psychokinesis
JEL Classification: F11, F18, P10, Q54, Q57
PP. 5-12
Agglomeration patterns in the Polish manufacturing industry
Tomasz Brodzicki, University of Gdansk, e-mail: t.brodzicki@ug.edu.pl
Abstract
External liberalization should affect regional agglomeration patterns in manufacturing industry. In Poland, the largest CEE economy, economic transition was marked by accelerated restructuring associated with relatively rapid external trade and capital flows liberalization. The process of economic transition was reinforced by accession to the EU. Economic transition could potentially have a sizeable impact on industrial agglomeration patterns. Using sectoral agglomeration indices we examine changes in the agglomeration patterns of the Polish manufacturing industry. The analysis is carried out on a disaggregated data set on employment for 2 and 3-digit NACE manufacturing industry sectors at the level of local administrative districts (LAD4 level). The data set covers the period 1999-2006. The overall agglomeration index for Polish manufacturing industry decreased only by 0.5 percent within the analyzed period of time. The patter of agglomeration remained largely unaffected despite of significant structural adjustments in other areas.
Keywords: economic geography, industrial agglomeration, Poland
JEL Classification: L60, R12, R60
PP. 13-22
Leading the way in the integration of international migrants: enhancing labor migrants through social and solidarity economy
María Esther Aretxabala, University of Deusto in Bilbao, E-mail: esther.aretxabala@deusto.es
Abstract
The paper reports some of the results obtained from a study conducted on the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and the integration of international migrants. The DNA of the Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) distinguishes this kind of companies from other economic stakeholders, including those of the SSE. These devices, as hybrid companies, go beyond a pure economic rationale, enabling labor activation and social inclusion for disadvantaged groups, including vulnerable international migrants. Therefore, WISEs should be understood as valuable mechanisms for achieving optimal levels of personal empowerment and social and labor integration in their active use and enhancement of employees’ capacities and competencies. All of their activities has an impact on social justice in helping to construct a more inclusive growth and society and fosters the integration of labor international immigrants specially.
Keywords: international migration, integration, social justice, labour
JEL Classification: F22, F29, J15
PP. 23-40
Migration and economic conditions in the EU: a case study of immigrants in Germany
Pavlína Jandová, Institute of economic studies, Faculty of social sciences, Charles University in Prague, E-mail: P.Jandova@email.cz
Abstract
This paper uses the case study of Germany to demonstrate the importance of education for local citizens and immigrants. Moreover, it compares the situation of migrants in Germany originating from the EU Member States and from the third countries. A unique dataset from 2009 comprising the microdata on a panel of German citizens and migrants obtained from SOEP allowed this comparison. The results show that the openness of the EU seems to influence the inter-EU migration. In addition, the hypothesis that the education is an important factor that influences the wages is confirmed for the locals and migrants alike. Furthermore, it seems that education represents a more important for the citizens of other EU Member States in their life and work in Germany.
Keywords: migration, European Union, education, Mincer’s equation, panel microdata, Germany
JEL Classification: F22. F66, J24, J61
PP. 41-48