Transition of ‘The Economics Industry’ in Albania : A Bibliometric Approach

This paper examines the socio-economic evolution of professional academic economics in Albania from their period of isolation beginning in 1978 through the transition to a market economy. Exploring the relationship between government structure and economic thought and practice allows one to understand important features of the Albanian transition. Bibliometric techniques are used to construct a data-driven picture of economics dissertations and publications in Albania. Two critical components of economics practice are identified as missing. First, a history of isolation and Hoxha-dominated political economy undermined perceptions about the usefulness and necessity of citations. Second, constrained resources has limited access to and interest in high quality theoretical research. Albanian economics remains disconnected from both contemporary and historical economic theory and disciplinary formative papers. This has implications for the quality of work that can be produced. Albania's transition from most isolated country in the world to potential member of the European Union holds lessons for today's rogue regimes. Understanding the implications of isolation on economic thought and practice could suggest strategies for building necessary and effective academic infrastructures that support economic transitioning