On the Theory and Policy of Systemic Change

The book’s central task is to look into the possibility of explaining theoretically the phenomenon of systemic change which we are observing right now in Central and Eastern Eu- rope. The process of transformation has economic, social, political, cultural and historical implications and is con- ditioned by all these factors. Hence, no uniform and consi- stent explanation is available presently. We may expect this to become one of the growth fields of future research. The 12 authors of the book - among others B. Blankart, L Csaba, N. Kloten, P. Pelikan, Fr. Schneider, P.P.J. Welfens - look at the transformation process from different theore- tical angles. So the reader will get acquainted with the true complexity of the phenomenon. Abstaining from direct policy advice and ready-made solutions, the book discusses some of the more fundamental problems of institutional chan- ge and transformation policy. So the book can also be used as assignment for courses on this subject.