This book examines the impacts of fiscal decentralization reforms on the efficiency of local governments in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. By offering a comparative perspective and by applying econometric methods and regression models, it analyses various reform trajectories and their effects on individual CEE countries. Furthermore, the book discusses input and output indicators for evaluating the efficiency of municipalities. Readers will learn about the common features of these countries, the impact of path dependence, and future prospects for decentralization reforms. In closing, the book discusses modern management and administration methods, opportunities for cooperation between municipalities, co-creative service delivery, and other measures that could improve the efficiency of public service provision.

Autorentext

Michal Placek is an Associate Professor at the Center for Social and Economic Strategies (CESES) of the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. His research focuses on decentralization and efficiency in public administration.

FrantiSek Ochrana is a Professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. He is a consultant for various subjects of public sector in field of public procurement and participated in more than 28 research projects. Ochrana also authored 14 academic books.

Milan Pucek is an Associate Professor at the Center for Social and Economics Strategies (CESES) of the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic. He is experienced in basic and applied research and has participated, for example in research projects, such as CAF Methodology Improvement, Enhancing the Analytical Planning and Implementation Capacities of Strategic Governance in Regions. Pucek's research focuses on efficiency and savings in public sector.

Juraj Nemec is full time Professor of Public Finance and Public Management at the Faculty of Economics and Administration at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic and part time Professor at the Faculty of Economics at Matej Bel University in Banska Bystrica, Slovakia, with 35 years' experience in teaching on pre-graduate, graduate and doctoral levels.

Inhalt

Fiscal Decentralization Reforms and Local Government Efficiency: An Introduction.- Fiscal Decentralization in Bulgaria.- Fiscal Decentralization in the Czech Republic.- The Fiscal Decentralization in Hungary.- The Fiscal Decentralization in Poland.- The Fiscal Decentralization in Romania.- The Fiscal Decentralization in Slovakia.- Fiscal Decentralization in Slovenia.- Comparative Analysis of the Results of Fiscal Decentralization in Selected CEE Countries.- Fiscal Decentralization and Efficiency: An Empirical Case Study of Small Municipalities in the Czech Republic.- Conclusion and Public policy Recommendation: Efficiency Improvement Through Managerial Approach and Accountability Mechanism.