Today, the growing importance takes on international trade and international relations. Sometimes there are certain contradictions between the countries. These contradictions usually occur through the restriction of international trade which affects not only the macroeconomic indicators of countries, but also the population of the country. One of the most common ways of limiting international trade is embargo. Since Russia announced an embargo on imports of foodstuffs in the EU countries, the exports of food products to Russia has significantly decreased in the EU countries. This decrease in exports has had a negative impact not only to the relations between the countries but also to the economies of the countries.
With rising demand for international education in Europe, today more higher education systems have become active in attracting international students. Hence, players in the global higher education market are highlighting their advantages in the higher education marketplace to become more competitive. As Lithuania has an ambitious desire to double the number of international students by 2025, this exploratory study analyses the important factors that will help to better target international students and put emphasis on the challenges to be refined in national education policies.
With rising demand for international education in Europe, today more higher education systems have become active in attracting international students. Hence, players in the global higher education market are highlighting their advantages in the higher education marketplace to become more competitive. As Lithuania has an ambitious desire to double the number of international students by 2025, this exploratory study analyses the important factors that will help to better target international students and put emphasis on the challenges to be refined in national education policies.
The present research work deals with the main macroeconomic indicators of the new European Union countries (EU-10) in 2003–2007 and provides tendencies of economic differentiation change. The theoretical part of the research work defines the key macroeconomic indicators: gross domestic product, inflation level, unemployment level, international trade balance, and foreign direct investment. The analytical part of the research work analyses dynamics of the main macroeconomic indicators of the new EU members in 2003 2007 as well as investigates the factors that had an impact on changes in indicators. In order to evaluate the economic development of the countries, macroeconomic indicators of the new ES countries are compared with average macroeconomic indicators of the old EU members. The analysis concerning industrial power, economy growth and economic development level of the new EU countries showed that four-year period of membership in EU is too short to come to the economic level of the old EU members. Among the leaders remain Cyprus, Slovenia and Malta. Average rates of growth of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the Baltic States exceeded growth rates of other new countries two or three times; Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia remained the economically weakest countries. The analysis of growth rates of GDP per capita suggests a conclusion that the smaller index, the bigger is its growth rate and economic state potential. The highest and largest GDP index is in those countries that have strong specialization: tourism. The smallest inflation rate was in the economically strongest new EU countries, i.e. Malta, Cyprus, Czech Republic and Poland. The Baltic States, the economically weakest countries, although they were characterized by the fastest economic development, faced the problem of growing inflation rate, which became an obstacle for euro introduction in Lithuania and Latvia. [.]
The present research work deals with the main macroeconomic indicators of the new European Union countries (EU-10) in 2003–2007 and provides tendencies of economic differentiation change. The theoretical part of the research work defines the key macroeconomic indicators: gross domestic product, inflation level, unemployment level, international trade balance, and foreign direct investment. The analytical part of the research work analyses dynamics of the main macroeconomic indicators of the new EU members in 2003 2007 as well as investigates the factors that had an impact on changes in indicators. In order to evaluate the economic development of the countries, macroeconomic indicators of the new ES countries are compared with average macroeconomic indicators of the old EU members. The analysis concerning industrial power, economy growth and economic development level of the new EU countries showed that four-year period of membership in EU is too short to come to the economic level of the old EU members. Among the leaders remain Cyprus, Slovenia and Malta. Average rates of growth of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in the Baltic States exceeded growth rates of other new countries two or three times; Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia remained the economically weakest countries. The analysis of growth rates of GDP per capita suggests a conclusion that the smaller index, the bigger is its growth rate and economic state potential. The highest and largest GDP index is in those countries that have strong specialization: tourism. The smallest inflation rate was in the economically strongest new EU countries, i.e. Malta, Cyprus, Czech Republic and Poland. The Baltic States, the economically weakest countries, although they were characterized by the fastest economic development, faced the problem of growing inflation rate, which became an obstacle for euro introduction in Lithuania and Latvia. [.]
This dissertation is an attempt to provide answers to the following questions: which theoretical interpretations of intangible resources, their expression and empowerment in economy, as well as methodological approaches should be used as a basis when assessing the impact of intangible resources on the country's sustainable development? Respectively, the concept of intangible resources was formed, according to which, intangible resources are based on the human capital component comprised of the education and health dimension, as well as the knowledge capital component which is understood as digital inclusion, innovations and economic competencies dimensions as a whole. This concept supplements the theories of economy by emphasizing the separation between the human and the knowledge capital, and at the same time supports the importance of both components for the development of intangible resources. A model created for the assessment of the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development, intends to assess the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development, supplements the models that currently exist in scientific literature as it is directly focused on revealing the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development in European Union countries.
This dissertation is an attempt to provide answers to the following questions: which theoretical interpretations of intangible resources, their expression and empowerment in economy, as well as methodological approaches should be used as a basis when assessing the impact of intangible resources on the country's sustainable development? Respectively, the concept of intangible resources was formed, according to which, intangible resources are based on the human capital component comprised of the education and health dimension, as well as the knowledge capital component which is understood as digital inclusion, innovations and economic competencies dimensions as a whole. This concept supplements the theories of economy by emphasizing the separation between the human and the knowledge capital, and at the same time supports the importance of both components for the development of intangible resources. A model created for the assessment of the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development, intends to assess the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development, supplements the models that currently exist in scientific literature as it is directly focused on revealing the impact of intangible resources on sustainable development in European Union countries.
Jankutė, N. (2016). Analysis of personal income inequality effect on economic growth in the European Union countries: Economic curriculum master's thesis. Advisor prof. dr. Zita Tamašauskienė. Šiauliai University, Department of Economics, 71 p. (87 p.). This master's thesis studies the effect of income inequality on economic growth. The purpose: after having discussed income inequality and economic growth related questions, to analyze theoretically the effect of personal income inequality on economic growth, and to analyse effect of income inequality in terms of economic growth of EU groups of countries with different economic development levels. The first part analyzes discussion issues of effect of income inequality on economic growth. After discussing the income inequality and economic growth concepts, measurement indicators and underlying factors, effect of income inequality on economic growth and main channels of the effect are theoretically analyzed, empirical research review of such effect is made. The second part contains the empirical research process and methodology. In the course of analysis, European Union member states are divided into high and lower development level groups according to 2000 - 2014 GDP per capita. In the analytical part income inequality is measured by the Gini index, income distribution in the first and tenth deciles and quintiles at ratio S80/S20. After discussing the dynamics of economic growth and income inequality indicators, by changing the income inequality measurement indicators, four test models in each group of countries are compiled. In order to assess the effect of income inequality on economic growth, these models are used to perform regression analysis in the identified groups of countries. The results showed that effect of personal income inequality on economic growth depends on the level of development of the countries and the income inequality indicator applied. It was found that in the high development level EU countries group, growth of Gini index, income distribution in the tenth decile and S80/S20 index has a positive effect on economic growth, while in the lower development level EU countries group, growth of income inequality has a negative impact on the countries' economic growth. In addition, it was found that the distribution of income in the first decile has no statistically significant effect on economic growth.
Jankutė, N. (2016). Analysis of personal income inequality effect on economic growth in the European Union countries: Economic curriculum master's thesis. Advisor prof. dr. Zita Tamašauskienė. Šiauliai University, Department of Economics, 71 p. (87 p.). This master's thesis studies the effect of income inequality on economic growth. The purpose: after having discussed income inequality and economic growth related questions, to analyze theoretically the effect of personal income inequality on economic growth, and to analyse effect of income inequality in terms of economic growth of EU groups of countries with different economic development levels. The first part analyzes discussion issues of effect of income inequality on economic growth. After discussing the income inequality and economic growth concepts, measurement indicators and underlying factors, effect of income inequality on economic growth and main channels of the effect are theoretically analyzed, empirical research review of such effect is made. The second part contains the empirical research process and methodology. In the course of analysis, European Union member states are divided into high and lower development level groups according to 2000 - 2014 GDP per capita. In the analytical part income inequality is measured by the Gini index, income distribution in the first and tenth deciles and quintiles at ratio S80/S20. After discussing the dynamics of economic growth and income inequality indicators, by changing the income inequality measurement indicators, four test models in each group of countries are compiled. In order to assess the effect of income inequality on economic growth, these models are used to perform regression analysis in the identified groups of countries. The results showed that effect of personal income inequality on economic growth depends on the level of development of the countries and the income inequality indicator applied. It was found that in the high development level EU countries group, growth of Gini index, income distribution in the tenth decile and S80/S20 index has a positive effect on economic growth, while in the lower development level EU countries group, growth of income inequality has a negative impact on the countries' economic growth. In addition, it was found that the distribution of income in the first decile has no statistically significant effect on economic growth.
Research aim: to evaluate the relationship between labour market regulations and foreign direct investment in the new European Union countries. Research tasks: 1) To overview empirical research on the relationship between labour market regulations and foreign direct investment, to highlight the key areas of evaluation, to summarize the results; 2) To group the new European Union countries into clusters according to two indicators of foreign direct investment: the amount of direct foreign investment and its annual flow; 3) To analyze labour market regulations and identify their relationship with foreign direct investment in the new European Union countries. Research methods: analysis, synthesis, generalization, systemization, statistical data analysis, cluster analysis. Labour market regulations are an important factor attracting foreign direct investment; they may have impact on both labour costs and labour force qualification. Labour market regulations may be viewed as an independent factor that determines foreign direct investment and acts as an additional barrier in hiring and dismissing employees. When the investor has to make a choice between two countries similar in all aspects but different according to labour market regulations, he will opt for the one where labour market regulations are flexible. It is difficult to evaluate labour market regulations because of a lack of statistical data and the system of common indicators; moreover, most indicators are qualitative and cannot be used in the models of quantitative econometrics. It is difficult to perform comparative analysis because different areas are chosen and different indicators are analysed in most empirical research. It is almost impossible to single out one or more common areas of labour market regulations and find any direct or indirect link with foreign direct investment. [.]
Research aim: to evaluate the relationship between labour market regulations and foreign direct investment in the new European Union countries. Research tasks: 1) To overview empirical research on the relationship between labour market regulations and foreign direct investment, to highlight the key areas of evaluation, to summarize the results; 2) To group the new European Union countries into clusters according to two indicators of foreign direct investment: the amount of direct foreign investment and its annual flow; 3) To analyze labour market regulations and identify their relationship with foreign direct investment in the new European Union countries. Research methods: analysis, synthesis, generalization, systemization, statistical data analysis, cluster analysis. Labour market regulations are an important factor attracting foreign direct investment; they may have impact on both labour costs and labour force qualification. Labour market regulations may be viewed as an independent factor that determines foreign direct investment and acts as an additional barrier in hiring and dismissing employees. When the investor has to make a choice between two countries similar in all aspects but different according to labour market regulations, he will opt for the one where labour market regulations are flexible. It is difficult to evaluate labour market regulations because of a lack of statistical data and the system of common indicators; moreover, most indicators are qualitative and cannot be used in the models of quantitative econometrics. It is difficult to perform comparative analysis because different areas are chosen and different indicators are analysed in most empirical research. It is almost impossible to single out one or more common areas of labour market regulations and find any direct or indirect link with foreign direct investment. [.]
The aim of the research is to design the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth after investigating theoretical interpretations of the impact of income inequality on economic growth and to empirically test it in different groups of the countries. The results are grounded on the panel data of 28 EU countries over the period 1995–2014. In the first part of the Doctoral Dissertation, the content and the concept of the phenomenon of income inequality are dealt with, also discussion questions of its measurement, the theories of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are generalised, analysis of empirical research works conducted by other authors investigating the impact of income inequality on economic growth is carried out. In the second part of the Dissertation, the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth is designed, the methods for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are substantiated and the variables used in the empirical research are discussed. In the third part of the Dissertation, it was found out that an increasing income inequality makes an ambiguous impact on economic growth through different transmission channels: the saving channel, the credit-market imperfections channel, the socio-political unrest channel, the fiscal policy channel. An ambiguous impact of income inequality on economic growth also depends on the country's income inequality level and the country's development level. As estimated in the EU countries, income inequality stimulated economic growth in the groups of the countries attributed with a higher level of income inequality and a different level of country's development. In the groups of the countries attributed with a lower level of income inequality and a different level of country's development, income inequality slowed down economic growth.
The aim of the research is to design the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth after investigating theoretical interpretations of the impact of income inequality on economic growth and to empirically test it in different groups of the countries. The results are grounded on the panel data of 28 EU countries over the period 1995–2014. In the first part of the Doctoral Dissertation, the content and the concept of the phenomenon of income inequality are dealt with, also discussion questions of its measurement, the theories of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are generalised, analysis of empirical research works conducted by other authors investigating the impact of income inequality on economic growth is carried out. In the second part of the Dissertation, the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth is designed, the methods for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are substantiated and the variables used in the empirical research are discussed. In the third part of the Dissertation, it was found out that an increasing income inequality makes an ambiguous impact on economic growth through different transmission channels: the saving channel, the credit-market imperfections channel, the socio-political unrest channel, the fiscal policy channel. An ambiguous impact of income inequality on economic growth also depends on the country's income inequality level and the country's development level. As estimated in the EU countries, income inequality stimulated economic growth in the groups of the countries attributed with a higher level of income inequality and a different level of country's development. In the groups of the countries attributed with a lower level of income inequality and a different level of country's development, income inequality slowed down economic growth.
The aim of the research is to design the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth after investigating theoretical interpretations of the impact of income inequality on economic growth and to empirically test it in different groups of the countries. The results are grounded on the panel data of 28 EU countries over the period 1995–2014. In the first part of the Doctoral Dissertation, the content and the concept of the phenomenon of income inequality are dealt with, also discussion questions of its measurement, the theories of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are generalised, analysis of empirical research works conducted by other authors investigating the impact of income inequality on economic growth is carried out. In the second part of the Dissertation, the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth is designed, the methods for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are substantiated and the variables used in the empirical research are discussed. In the third part of the Dissertation, it was found out that an increasing income inequality makes an ambiguous impact on economic growth through different transmission channels: the saving channel, the credit-market imperfections channel, the socio-political unrest channel, the fiscal policy channel. An ambiguous impact of income inequality on economic growth also depends on the country's income inequality level and the country's development level. As estimated in the EU countries, income inequality stimulated economic growth in the groups of the countries attributed with a higher level of income inequality and a different level of country's development. In the groups of the countries attributed with a lower level of income inequality and a different level of country's development, income inequality slowed down economic growth.
The aim of the research is to design the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth after investigating theoretical interpretations of the impact of income inequality on economic growth and to empirically test it in different groups of the countries. The results are grounded on the panel data of 28 EU countries over the period 1995–2014. In the first part of the Doctoral Dissertation, the content and the concept of the phenomenon of income inequality are dealt with, also discussion questions of its measurement, the theories of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are generalised, analysis of empirical research works conducted by other authors investigating the impact of income inequality on economic growth is carried out. In the second part of the Dissertation, the model for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth is designed, the methods for assessment of the impact of income inequality on economic growth are substantiated and the variables used in the empirical research are discussed. In the third part of the Dissertation, it was found out that an increasing income inequality makes an ambiguous impact on economic growth through different transmission channels: the saving channel, the credit-market imperfections channel, the socio-political unrest channel, the fiscal policy channel. An ambiguous impact of income inequality on economic growth also depends on the country's income inequality level and the country's development level. As estimated in the EU countries, income inequality stimulated economic growth in the groups of the countries attributed with a higher level of income inequality and a different level of country's development. In the groups of the countries attributed with a lower level of income inequality and a different level of country's development, income inequality slowed down economic growth.
