This book deals with the transformation of the Polish centrally-planned system to a western-type market system. Poland represents the most interesting case to study as it runs an unprecedentedly radical and fast course of reform. The book provides insights in the theoretical foundations of the transformation of an economic system as well as a critical assessment of first experiences in Poland. As the authors develop theoretical approaches as well as study the empirical situation, thebook offers valuable insights both to the reader who is rather theoreticallyinterested and to a pragmatically orientated audience. One of the main features of the book is the broad variety of the subjects chosen for analysis and of the respective approaches taken by the authors who mostly specialize in the fields they worked on for this book.

Inhalt

Economics and Politics of Transformation.- Systemic Change to a Market Economy: General Issues and First Experiences in Poland.- Reformers, Rent-Seekers, Free Riders: Systemic Transformation in Poland.- The Game for Power in a State: The Changes of the Polish Electoral Law.- Crucial Areas of Transformation Policy.- Privatization in Poland: A Property Rights Approach.- The Strive for a Competitive Order: An Evaluation of the Polish Antitrust Endeavors.- The Role of Monetary Policy for the Polish Economy in Transition.- Social Policy in Poland.- Internationalization as a Supportive Factor.- Chances and Limits of the Internationalization of Poland's Pharmaceutical Industry.- The Transformation of the Polish Economy: The Role of Joint Ventures.