Showing papers in "Austrian Economic Quarterly in 2004"

Constructing regional input- output tables in austria

Abstract: The construction of regional input-output tables is often hampered by data scarcity. Various methods have been applied to derive such tables from their national counterparts using all available information about the sectoral structure of the regional economy. In this paper a partial survey approach is followed in the construction of input-output tables for two Austrian NUTS II regions. Based on the 1995 national input-output table, which is the first national table consistent with the new European system of accounts (ESA 1995), make and use tables are estimated and a sector-by-sector input-output table is derived. Besides using different secondary regional data as well as estimates of regional final demand, the table construction relies on data from a survey on regional exports. The first part of the paper describes the methodology followed to build the tables. The second part compares regional and national tables in order to analyze differences in the productive structure.

Competition, Competition Policy and Economic Growth

Abstract: Since the mid-1990s, product market competition in Austria has become markedly more vigorous, driven by "externally induced" competition-oriented structural reforms Under this changed framework the performance of the Austrian economy in the 1990s was quite satisfactory Recently, however, this growth trend showed clear signs of weakening If the growth path of the past is to be extended into the future more competition-oriented economic policy measures seem to be indicated Given a multitude of highly concentrated markets, a growth-oriented competition policy should generate high economic returns

Pattern Bargaining and Wage Leadership in Austria

Abstract: Several contributions to the economic literature on industrial relations claim that wage bargaining in Austria is characterised by pattern bargaining or wage leadership. This claim has, however, never been investigated empirically. This paper fills this gap by examining the development of contractual wage rates set in collective bargaining and of wage rates actually paid. Wage disparity has been high and rising over the last 20 years. This finding is incompatible with the claims of the proponents of pattern bargaining or wage leadership and suggests that wage differentials are not closely linked to productivity.

Increasing University Student Mobility: A European Policy Agenda

Abstract: The EC promotes the mobility of tertiary education students in an effort to promote the establishment of a Single European education space However, increasing student mobility within the EU raises the question of equal treatment of students of another EU member state This becomes a contested issue as it has budgetary consequences for countries which become net-university educators

The Tax Reform 2004-05 – Measures and Macroeconomic Effects

Abstract: The tax reform 2004-05 includes tax cuts within income taxation (€ –2.2 billion) and corporate taxation (€ –1.1 billion) as well as increases of several excise taxes (€ +232 million). The changes in the income tax rate scale taking effect in 2005 will increase tax progression and revenue elasticity vis-a-vis 2003; "cold" progression will be compensated only partially. Simulations done with the WIFO macromodel show a positive effect of the tax reform on GDP and employment. The degree of self-financing through growth-induced additional tax revenues is limited.

Potential Markets for Austrian Exports

Abstract: In spite of brisk expansion rates achieved for Central and Eastern European markets, Austrian exports continue to be focused on Western Europe. To better exploit export potentials of Austrian businesses developing dynamic markets outside their traditional destinations is important. Using indicators that summarise demand development, the degree of matching between the import structure of potential markets and the Austrian export structure, as well as information on motivations and obstacles to exports, market share analyses and an econometric estimation of medium-term export potentials, WIFO identified 30 countries as potential focus markets (13 CEE countries and 17 non-European markets).

The Working-Day Effect in the Austrian Economy

Abstract: As 2004 is a leap year and some holidays are situated at weekends, it possesses three working days more than 2003. An analysis based on a seasonal time series model estimates an increase in production by 0.1 percent for the whole year. The working-day effect is analysed for total GDP as well as by branch and turns out to be substantially lower than comparable estimates for Germany.

Austria's Position in the International Quest for Structural Adjustment. The New EU Structural Indicators

Abstract: The EU structural indicators provide meaningful benchmarks for assessing progress towards meeting the Lisbon objectives. However, the ranking of countries according to such unweighted indicators makes little sense. While Austria fares relatively well at the level of most EU key indicators, its relative position vis-a-vis the other EU countries has weakened when looking at the trend performance since 1999.

Economic Activity Moving Closer to its Potential in the Medium Term. Projections for the Austrian Economy until 2008

Abstract: Over the period from 2003 to 2008, real GDP in Austria is expected to grow by about 2.3 percent per year, slightly faster than in the euro area as a whole. Notably the tax reform, EU enlargement and investment in the knowledge base should secure a small growth advantage vis-a-vis the EU. The pace of expansion might, however, not be sufficient to reduce the currently high unemployment rate.