Systemic Change and Asset Specificity: The Case of Transformation in Central and Eastern Europe*

Dallago, B. (2001) Systemic Change and Asset Specificity: The Case of Transformation in Central and Eastern Europe*. Acta Oeconomica, 51 (4). pp. 435-468. ISSN 0001-6373

Preview

Text aoecon.51.2000-2001.4.1.pdf Download (128kB) | Preview

Abstract

The economic system exerts its influence over the economy through many assets that are system-specific. Economic actors invest in such assets in order to capture the opportunities defined by the system. When systemic entrepreneurs set systemic transformation in motion, uncertainty is created. Together with externalities produced by investment in systemic transformation and the ensuing alteration of the property right structure, this determines the distribution of transformation costs and gains. This produces opportunities for investing valuable resources to weaken third-party enforcement and capture gains and avoid costs via transformational redistribution. This situation increases asymmetries, reduces the opportunities for productive outcome, and makes change costly and path dependent. This framework is used to explain the process of change in Central and Eastern Europe.

Actions (login required)

Edit Item