Skill Acquisition and Firm Creation in Transition Economies

Author/Editor:

Wenli Li ; Zuzana Brixiova ; Tarik Yousef

Publication Date:

September 1, 1999

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

The transition from plan to market has hinged on the development of a dynamic private sector that would serve as the engine of growth and employment creation. This paper examines the link between the availability of skilled workers and the creation of new private firms. Using a dynamic search model, it shows how the lack of skilled workers inhibits entrepreneurship and depresses the rate of firm creation, slowing the recovery of aggregate output and labor productivity during the transition. The paper also shows how policies designed to encourage skill acquisition by workers have a positive impact on the economy.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1999/130

Subject:

Economic sectors Human capital Labor Labor force Public sector Self-employment

English

Publication Date:

September 1, 1999

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451855173/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1301999

Pages:

31

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