Competing Approaches to Pollination (E)valuation as an Ecosystem Service in an Urban Context

Author: Annamária Ferenczi

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 282 (2025) April 2025

Abstract

Research on the interaction between human well-being and biodiversity is becoming increasingly important in the spotlight of climate change. Despite its complexity, it is being explored by many disciplines, ranging from biologists through psychologists to economists. This working paper focuses on the economic valuation of pollination as an ecosystem service, with a particular focus on urban environments. The aim of this paper is to examine the intersection of pollination and two economic subdisciplines (environmental and ecological economics) through two separate literature reviews using advanced research strings. The two research questions are: (1) How has pollination been assessed by environmental and ecological economics? (2) How has pollination been addressed in urban planning literature between 2014-2024? Findings on the (1) question indicate that while theoretical distinctions between (e)valuation approaches are clear in principle, they do not always appear so in practice. Many studies focus on ‘classical’ environmental economic monetary valuation, particularly in agricultural contexts. However, the mixed-method approach is also prevalent, blending elements from ecological and environmental economics. The (2) question revealed that research in urban contexts has primarily focused on pollinator support and habitat creation.

A Ferenczi, A.: Competing Approaches to Pollination (E)valuation as an Ecosystem Service in an Urban Context bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Silent revolution of the aid regime: impact on Africa

Author: Judit Kiss

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 281 (2025) April 2025

Abstract

Africa is the major recipient of foreign aid; however, it is not the region that benefits the most. Many African countries have become trapped in the aid syndrome leading to overspending, budget deficits, indebtedness, corruption, and moral hazard. The impact of aid is unclear, short-term microeconomic gains are mixed with long-term macroeconomic setbacks. Aid exit is a theoretical option, though its feasibility is challenged by the huge finance gap and the vested donor and recipient interests in maintaining the recent system. Critical voices have intensified, and a silent revolution has already started: aid is scaling up due to changing aid power dynamics, new theories and modalities have developed, target areas are changing while serving the same “old” objectives. As the present aid architecture is a significant constituent of the unequal North-South relationship, there is no paradigm shift at the horizon. Africa must try to make the most of the current situation which presupposes political stability and institutional reforms.

A Kiss, J.: Silent revolution of the aid regime: impact on Africa bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Authors: Tamás Csontos, Andrea Éltető, Magdolna Sass

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 280 (2024) December 2024

Abstract

Competitiveness is a complex concept that can be applied at various levels, such as micro-, meso-, and macro-levels. Comparative analysis of countries can be relevant in certain areas, such as foreign trade and foreign direct investments. These fields primarily reflect the Central and Eastern European region’s strong integration into global value chains. Foreign direct investments have also been perceived as an indicator of competitiveness, although in different ways across industries and economies. This study concentrates on the two domains of foreign trade and FDI, often overlooked in the recent extensive reports on the European single market and competitiveness. Trends and data from 2005 to 2023 are analysed, comparing the USA, China and the EU. Our findings prove the loss of position of the EU but also point to the heterogeneity of the European regions and countries. Finally, we analyse the Budapest Declaration on the New European Competitiveness Deal.

A Csontos, T., Éltető, A., Sass, M.: Aspects of European competitiveness – in the light of the Hungarian Presidency bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Authors: Petar Mitić, Isidora Beraha

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 279 (2024) November 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive strategic framework for advancing the production of electric vehicles (EVs), including the production of EV batteries in Serbia. It first provides a brief overview of the importance of the automotive industry in the Serbian economy, before highlighting the goals of the national strategies, government incentives for EV and battery production, and the adoption and diffusion of EVs. The paper also offers an overview of the use of EU funds to promote the production and use of EVs and analyzes the implementation progress in Serbia so far.

A Mitić, P., Beraha, I.: Strategic Pathways for EV and Battery Production in Serbia bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: Andrea Éltető

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 278 (2024) November 2024

Abstract

The paper discusses the industrial safety risks inside and outside the factories, the government’s information on the issue and the management of NGO activities. Evidence has been presented that South Korean cell factories and recyclers have committed systematic and recurrent irregularities in Hungary over the past years, leading to worker hazards and accidents. The authorities have been powerless to deal with these effectively. Profit interests of the factories often override health and safety concerns. The risks to industrial safety will continue to increase even under normal operating conditions with the mass influx of Chinese battery factories. Instead of being correctly informed about this, the public receives a central propaganda that uses all the tools of greenwashing, while the authorities try to restrict concerned citizens’ groups by various means.

A Éltető, A.: Industrial safety risks in the Hungarian battery industry and related communication bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: Magdolna Sass

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 277 (2024) October 2024

Abstract

Foreign Direct Investment played a crucial role in the economic transition of the post-socialist countries. EU membership prospects positively affected FDI inflows in the nineties and the integration process promoted FDI directly and indirectly as well, through enterprise restructuring, labour market impact, sectoral reforms, regulatory quality, rule of law, and specific aspects of the business environment. FDI flows added new, competitive capacities and technologies to the region, however, FDI-related benefits remained below the expectations. The Central and East-European countries could mainly offer their low wages in the intra-EU distribution of production and most of them lacked competitive local firms. These economies based their growth strategies on FDI and it still plays a determining role, especially in certain export-oriented sectors.

A Sass, M.: 20 years in the European Union – Foreign direct investments and the process of integration bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: Andrea Éltető

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 276 (2024) August 2024

Abstract

Based on official documents, the paper addresses in detail, why battery production in Hungary cannot be discussed as if it were in another European country. The costs and risks of Hungarian battery production are high because of its specific characteristics, and if current practices remain unchanged, the environmental, health and social damage it causes will directly outweigh the benefits for the population. Experience has shown that large companies will obtain environmental permits, no matter how unclear certain issues remain. Regulations have not been adjusted to this huge battery industry. And even in cases where rules are appropriate, the centrally-mandated authorities are not only lenient, but even break the rules themselves in the interests of the companies. New government regulations are helping the companies instead of local people or workers. There is also a weakening of transparency and inertia on the part of the authorities in many areas. Overall, the environment and nature protection aspects are not being taken into account in this area.

A Éltető, A.: Why Is It Different? Specific Characteristics of the Hungarian Battery Industry: Legal Background and Environmental Impacts bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: István Benczes

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 275 (2024) June 2024

Abstract

The eight new member states that joined in 2004, followed by three more in Central and Eastern Europe, have achieved a significant degree of convergence in terms of economic development. In the present study, however, we examine whether the size of public finances in the 11 CEE new member states has also approached the EU average, and to what extent the structure of public expenditures and revenues in these countries show similar or different patterns to that of the EU27. The distinction between the size and composition of public finances is rather important because, while empirical research on the sample of developed countries has found a non-existent or negative relationship between government size and economic growth, individual revenue and expenditure items can have very different impacts on economic growth and hence on the convergence process itself. The analysis of public finances can also help identify those commonly shared preferences in spending and revenues where old and new member states can agree on to strengthen the common budget of the EU in the future.

A Benczes, I.: Convergence in public finances? The case of the new member states of the EU bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

The impact of financial allocations to the Eastern member states of the European Union in the last two decades

Authors: Ádám Kerényi , Csaba Lakócai

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 274 (2024) April 2024

Abstract

Following the collapse of the Soviet-style planned economies, the post-socialist region of Central and Eastern Europe has undergone a process of economic convergence after the initial shock of transition to a market economy. One stage in this process was accession to the European Union. Most of the countries in the region became members, making them eligible for further benefits and financial allocations. The extent to which these funds have been used effectively over the past decades varies from country to country, but overall, the convergence of these countries within the EU has continued. In this study, we examine the distribution of the net EU transfers to the post-socialist member states and their impact on macroeconomic and social indicators between 2004 and 2022. While these effects are clearly visible in terms of the formal economic and consumption indicators, they are less directly visible in terms of the informal wellbeing trends.

A Kerényi, Á., Lakócai Cs.: Trends, Transfers and Convergence – The impact of financial allocations to the Eastern member states of the European Union in the last two decades bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.

Author: Judit Kiss

In: HUN-REN CERS, Institute of World Economics, Working Paper Nr. 273 (2024) April 2024

Abstract

Kenya is one of the leading SHC importers in Africa, where the aborted import substitution industrialisation, the liberalization of the economy and the failure of domestic textile industry led to SHC trade surge which is the direct product of the global (ultra)fast fashion linear business model resulting in overproduction and forced overconsumption. While SHC industry is noticeably beneficial for the economy and the people of Kenya due to job creation, income and revenue generation, providing affordable clothing, one should not ignore the detrimental impact on the environment and local textile/fashion industry which might be the backbone of economic growth and social transformation. In order to keep the benefits and minimize the drawbacks of SHC industry, in the short run the supply side pressure should be eased via decreasing the quantity and increasing the quality of SHC inflow in order to minimize waste, while in the longer run the enhancement of domestic garment industry should be accompanied by the gradual decreasing/phasing out of SHC inflow.

A Kiss, J.: The dichotomy of second-hand-clothing industry: the case of Kenya bejegyzés először VGI-én jelent meg.