Raksti konferenču krājumā un tēzes (BVEF) / Conference Papers and Abstracts

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Browsing Raksti konferenču krājumā un tēzes (BVEF) / Conference Papers and Abstracts by Author "Baranovs, Olegs"

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    Productivity factors and dynamics in Latvia
    (University of Latvia, 2021) Baranovs, Olegs; Salmins, Janis; Skribane, Irina
    Productivity is crucial factor for the growth of Latvia's economy and prosperity. Although Latvia has achieved significant growth since joining the European Union, productivity growth has slowed in recent years. Today, the world is experiencing a strong shock due to Covid19 crisis, the impact of which on productivity has not yet been widely studied. The aim of this study is to analyse the dynamics of productivity in Latvia, structural changes in technological intensity, as well as the analysis of productivity-related factors. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on productivity is also analysed based on researchers' assessments and available information. The research is based on statistical data, studies, and policy documents. It aims to integrate the available data from a broad range of international and domestic sources from the perspective of Latvia. To determine the impact of the redistribution of labour resources on the overall productivity dynamics in the Latvian economy, the shift share analysis method was used. The study shows that the low level of productivity in Latvia is largely related to structural factors - the low level of manufacturing and the dominant position of low-tech industries, the small share of knowledge-intensive industries, the business sector is dominated by SME companies, export structure, etc. The research argues that the redistribution of labour resources in Latvia in favour of more productive sectors is insufficient to have a significant impact on the faster growth of the overall productivity level of the economy. To facilitate productivity, it is important to strengthen innovation and investment in R&D, the new technologies, especially digitization, as well as investing in human capital, improving people's skills and competences.
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    Productivity trends and income inequality in Latvia
    (University of Latvia, 2020) Baranova, Daira; Baranovs, Olegs; Skribane, Irina
    Increasing labour productivity is a key driver for prosperity. Although Latvia's productivity growth rates are among the highest in the EU, productivity growth has declined in recent years. With the productivity dynamics slowing down, the pace of convergence is also slower. The benefits of the recent economic recovery in Latvia have not been evenly distributed among households and income inequality has not diminished significantly. The recent OECD and academic studies point to a correlation between falling productivity and increasing income inequality. The more unequal a society is, the more it affects productivity growth and the sustainability of growth. Improving productivity has the potential to affect inequalities in a positive and negative way. To find suitable policy answers therefore is extremely challenging. The research describes the dynamics of productivity and income inequality, their interaction in Latvia. The research is based on existing data, studies, and policy documents. It aims to integrate the available data from a broad range of international and domestic sources from the perspective of Latvia. The research argues that easy gains from catching up are over, keeping productivity dynamic will not be easy, as the factors that provided relatively high productivity rates in previous periods are likely to be exhausted and companies are approaching the limits of existing technology. Continued progress in implementing structural reforms will be needed to reduce the productivity gap, only systemic implementation of all policies and structural reforms can provide a desirable outcome. In order to reduce income inequality, it is important to strengthen the competitiveness of the regions of Latvia and to improve the tax and benefit system.
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    Socio-economic implications of the Coronavirus pandemic in Latvia
    (University of Latvia, 2021) Steinbuka, Inna; Baranovs, Olegs; Malnacs, Normunds; Austers, Aldis
    The spread of COVID-19 requires immediate policy response and future-oriented actions to reduce devastating economic and social impact of crisis and preserve sustainable growth. The aim of this paper is to assess the current economic and social consequenses of the ongoing crisis in Latvia, the government response, public perceptions and future scenarios. Research is based on the macroeconomic assessment and surveybased analysis of people’s attitude towards the government's emergency programs. The comparison of statistically justified findings with the public perception helps formulate conclusions on the future sustainability scenarios and policies.