Hans Van Zon
Articles
Is the Donetsk Model Sustainable?
Geographia Polonica (2005) vol. 78, iss. 2, pp. 77-90 | 
Full text
Abstract
The regional economy and polity of Donetsk is monopolized by a coherent group of financial-industrial groupings. These groupings operate in the context of a neo-patrimonial polity in which clan loyalty is more important than formal rules. The dynamics of clan politics provides the key to understanding the social and economic predicament of Donetsk, while the 'virtual economy' approach and the model of 'partial reform equilibrium' are not very helpful in explaining the economic development of Donetsk. The question of the economic and social sustainability of the 'Donetsk model' is addressed.
Keywords: Ukraine, transition economies, regional economics, clan politics
, University of Sunderland Edinburgh Building Chester Road Sunderland, SR 1 3SD, United Kingdom
Geographia Polonica (1995) vol. 66, pp. 161-175 | Full text
Abstract
It is argued that regional development issues in Central and Eastern Europe differ in many respects from those in Western Europe. Generally, in Central and Eastern Europe regional economies are less developed and the economic geography is shaped according to another spatial logic, related to the inheritance of socialism. Territorial fragmentation comes to the fore and the degree of integrational vacuum at the national level develops. This is above all in the larger successor states of the Soviet Union. Regional and local authorities should focus on furthering endogenos development potential rather than on lobbying for external financial assistance. It means above all furthering a networking economy and furthering innovative activities.
Keywords: Central and Eastern Europe. Regional development, Economic geography. Networking economy
, University of Sunderland Edinburgh Building Chester Road Sunderland, SR 1 3SD, United Kingdom