Transformations  in
Business & Economics

Introduction to the Issue

JEL classification: Y20.

Contemporary economies are recovering after crisis of 2007-2009. Even if formally it approached the finish, companies and consumers still feel its burden; and even a possible new crisis is on the horizon. This issue of “Transformations in Business & Economics” (TIBE) tries to research basic economic entities in nowadays world. It covers six main sections. They are related to the following topics: development of the economies in transforming economies, challenges for the EU in the context of labour markets and employment, innovation policy, problems of globalization, analysis of capital markets and, ultimately, the industries operating in the European Union.

In Section 1 on economic development, the issues addressing today’s recession and the possible use of theoretical hypotheses for the analysis are offered. Evaluation of the EU’s strategic objectives presented in the 2020 Strategy document, Europe is being analysed in its relation to the establishment of member countries. Impact of foreign investments in Africa, following the case of Chinese companies, while building their monopolistic position is also presented. A closing paper covers issues on public finances in Poland.

The second section on labour markets include topics related to the theories of labour markets in modern economies, the problems of the younger generation which is defined as a generation that is threaten by growing unemployment. Taxation as an instrument of family policy is presented. Also sectoral employment in European countries is under analysis. A paper discussing the difficult issues of mobbing could also catch your attention.

Innovation policy is the third section in this Issue, which is covering universities in creating knowledge in an innovative way, supporting innovation of the Polish economy by EU programmes and finally formulating innovative business strategies in entrepreneurial practices, like IBM.

Section 4 discusses the implications for globalization. It relates to the behavioural analysis of two different market participants: consumers and companies. Consumers are assessed in terms of their attitudes towards globalisation effects. Institutional topics are referred to the intensity of companies’ exports and the issue of “born global” as a factor of entrepreneurship.

Capital markets are another important part of the Issue. Section 5 incorporates the issues on harmonization of direct taxation in the European Union area and the problems of capital costs from the perspective of firms. Household consumption is next point for analysis. It is assesses in the light of socio-economic transformation. Finally, the classic economic dilemma: efficiency and equity issues are defined by using the example of the Polish economy.

The last section of the Issue presents the analysis of industrial sectors in the European Union. Problems are addressed to cyclical fluctuations of business activity in the new EU countries, potential development estimation in the information society in relation to patent activity. The electric market is also analysed in the context of changing its market structure to a more competitive one.

The presented papers are of immense interest and relevance, covering the latest trends and tendencies across the European Union and the world. I encourage you to read.