Gorica Bošković

Technological Changes in Economic Growth Theory: Neoclassical, Endogenous, and Evolutionary-Institutional Approach

Abstract The aim of the research in this paper is to analyse the issue of the treatment of the category of technological changes within the main aspects of economic growth theory. The analysis of the key positions of neoclassical theory (Solow), endogenous approach (Romer), and evolutionary growth theory (Freeman) advocates has pointed to the conclusion that these approaches agree on the fact that the category of technological changes is a key generator of economic growth. Neoclassicists were the first to explicitly analyse the category of technological changes in growth theory. They exerted a strong influence on a large number of governments to allocate significant funds for scientific and research development, to stimulate the creation and diffusion of innovation. Supporters of endogenous theory also see the category of technological changes as a key driver of economic growth. Unlike neoclassicists, they emphasise the importance of externalities, in the form of technological spillover and research and development activities, for the creation and diffusion of innovation. Finally, evolutionary and institutional economists explore the category of technological changes inseparably from the economic and social environment in which they are created and diffused. Recommendations of this research can be of particular use to economic growth and development policy makers in the knowledge economy, whose basic and substantial feature is the so-called fourth industrial revolution

An Analysis of Factors and Effects of Product Design Quality

Abstract The aim of this paper is to highlight the fact that there is a significant relationship between design quality and process quality, and then the quality of the finished products (internal quality) and the later use of the products by the consumers (external quality). The paper outlines the model of the synergy between design management and process management. Since design quality is the first link in this chain of creating quality, it is necessary to adequately carry out the design process, or provide high-quality design. High-quality design includes connectivity and collaboration between functions that can contribute to the design process, such as: research and development, production, marketing and supply. In order to achieve this, it is important to continuously work on education and training of employees. In addition, it is necessary to apply the tools characteristic for providing quality design, but also the common tools important for quality management. Accordingly, the subject of the paper is examining the impact of employee training, the implementation of quality management tools and application tools for quality design as a factor in establishing links between business functions that should be included in the design process. Based on the application of tools such as regression analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis, the results of empirical research suggest that these factors affect the establishment of links between the observed business functions, and facilitate providing the quality of the design process.

ECONOMIC CRISIS AND CURRENT PROBLEMS OF SERBIAN FAMILY

Modern society and the world economy are highly contradicted to existing processes and relationships. It could be discerned in large social inequalities, in unfair and unequal opportunities of socio-economic development and in severe conflicts of different contrasting groups and interests. The problem of economic growth, especially of the smaller countries in development, is radicalized by unequal distribution of natural resources, economic and political power. At the moment In Serbia the crisis is visible in almost every sector of society. Unemployment is rising, just like crime rate, corruption and various forms of social pathology. The growing rate of violence and different forms of family abuse are spreading the sense of hopelessness. Not only did the education become more expensive but also the employment availability and social success became inversely proportional to the acquired knowledge. Every year the birth rate declines. All of these affect the young, who become discontent. Being unable to identify themselves with their own country they start to accept the situation with resignation and social apathy. The number of those who leave Serbia is increasing. The roots of very bad economic situation in Serbia are planted in the inherited systemic problems which arose after the disintegration of Yugoslavia and its markets, sanctions and aggression and destruction of economy and infrastructure by NATO, but mostly and primarily is rooted in the acceptance and implementation of arguably detrimental doctrine shaped by the concept of neo-liberal model of economic policy. In this research paper, the authors, in order to minimize potential developmental risk and to maximize the biological survival of Serbian population in future, state that neoliberal globalization begins with destruction of the family and ends with the destruction of the country itself. This hypothesis is confirmed by the current demographic and development trends in Serbia.

Industrial Policy As The European Union Competitiveness Factor On The Global Market

Abstract The union of the most developed European countries and their heavy industry based economies after the World War II, seemed like the only answer to USA’s and Japan’s powerful economies. At the same time, it was the only chance for Europe to become competitive in the global market. That was achieved through various forms of economic communities, formed in Europe in the second half of XX century. Since the 1992. Maastricht Treaty, they are known as the European Union. European Union industrial policy had the same priorities since the very beginning – to make Europe the leader of global economy, through investments in knowledge and high-tech inovation. However, that still hasn’t happened and considering all the economical and political crisis shaking the Union lately, chances are it can hardly happen at all. Reasons are numerous and different, both inside and outside the Union. The implicit question being posed here is have the most developed world countries and their economies reached their peak and can the EU achieve further growth on the supersaturated global market? This paper investigates the role of industrial policy as one of the key factors for solution to many problems in the past as well as in the future of the EU, which would make this economic and political community of European countries much more competitive on the global market.