0000000001114016
AUTHOR
Olegs Baranovs
Productivity factors and dynamics in Latvia
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 …
Socio-economic implications of the Coronavirus pandemic in Latvia
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.
Productivity trends and income inequality in Latvia
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 pote…