Modelling the Structural Change of Transition Countries

The rapid changes in the transition economies must be evaluated in a comparative context. This paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis using a large panel data set of market economies as a reference point. We wish to establish the extent and speed with which the structures of the transition economies are converging towards other country groups ranked according to income levels. This exercise provides an alternate measure of transition "success" which is grounded in quantitative rather than subjective indicators. It also shows future sectoral growth patterns under the assumption that remaining structural distortions will continue to be removed.