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The Socialist Cybernetic Ideal of Evgeni Mateev. Part One: Labor Productivity, Planning, and Automated Management Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Nikolay Nenovsky
  • Tsvetelina Marinova

Abstract

This article presents the main ideas and contributions of Evgeni Mateev, whose extensive body of work is difficult to encompass in its entirety. Following a brief biographical overview, it traces the development of his views toward systems theory and cybernetics. The key elements of his model of socialism and the algorithm for its practical implementation are analysed. The article also examines fundamental methodological principles formulated in his seminal work, Structure and Management of the Economic System (1987), including microeconomic aspects related to the role of enterprises. The study is published in two consecutive parts.

Suggested Citation

  • Nikolay Nenovsky & Tsvetelina Marinova, 2026. "The Socialist Cybernetic Ideal of Evgeni Mateev. Part One: Labor Productivity, Planning, and Automated Management Systems," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 1, pages 53-83.
    • Handle: RePEc:bas:econth:y:2026:i:1:p:53-83
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nenovsky, Nikolay & Marinova, Tsvetelina, 2026. "Bulgarian Economists on the Development of an Independent Basis for Price Formation in COMECON Trade (1958–1971)," MPRA Paper 127666, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    2. Nikolay Nenovsky & P.D. Penchev, 2017. "Between Carl Menger and Peter Struve: On Russian Liberal Economics," Post-Print hal-03680628, HAL.
    3. Egon Neuberger, 1959. "The Yugoslav Investment Auctions," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 73(1), pages 88-115.
    4. Jan Adam, 1989. "Economic Reforms in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe since the 1960s," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-19709-5, September.
    5. Avramov, Roumen & Ganev, Kaloyan & Petranov, Stefan, 2022. "To Command or to Understand? Planning Concepts and Economic Research in Communist Bulgaria," MPRA Paper 123632, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 2022.
    6. J. Wilczynski, 1972. "Socialist Economic Development and Reforms," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-01255-8, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • B3 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals
    • C60 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - General
    • P20 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - General
    • P30 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions - - - General
    • P51 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Analysis of Economic Systems

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