This paper presents an econometric model intended to explain fundamental cross-country differences in the quality of national economic institutions by using the set of economic, geographical, cultural and historical factors. Our key research hypothesis claims that bilateral trade may be working...

The effects of inter-government fiscal arrangements on variation in regional economic growth are analyzed for Russia, a country with large cross-regional differences and considerable fiscal redistribution. Moreover, fiscal reforms implemented in the first half of 2000s, which followed to some...

In December 2007, the Institute for the Economy in Transition (IET) carried out a survey of Russian industrial enterprises to identify their perceived constraints to successful economic development. Senior managers of enterprises were asked to answer 2 groups of questions and to assess: 1)...

The paper examines ways to expand the contribution of the Armenian diaspora to Armenia’s long-term development agenda. It identifies factors that could explain the involvement and dynamics of a small group of entrepreneurs from the diaspora who have been active in and with Armenia. Based on...

The paper provides empirical analysis of the relationship between fiscal decentralisation and the quality of public services in the Russian regions. The analysis suggests that fiscal decentralisation has no significant effect on the key inputs into secondary education, such as schools,...

To shed light on decentralization in Russia, the authors examine intergovernmental fiscal relations within regions. To analyze trends, they review channels of fiscal allocation within regions - tax sharing and local transfer schemes. To evaluate the potential impact of various fiscal...