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Privatization, market liberalization and learning in transition economies

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  • Goodhue, Rachael E.
  • Rausser, Gordon C.
  • Simon, Leo K.

Abstract

Privatization and market liberalization are widely considered to be complementary reforms in transition economies. This paper challenges this view and the closely related "big bang" approach to economic reform. Our analysis suggests that when pursued simultaneously, privatization may actually impede the transition process following market liberalization and reduce social welfare. Our result is based on an explicit model of market learning, which is a vital component of the economic transition process. Compared to a fully-functioning market in a mature market economy, a market in transition is characterized by greater uncertainty regarding market conditions, including free market equilibrium levels of prices and quantities. Market participants must learn about these conditions through their participation in the market process. When the effects of learning are incorporated into the analysis, the optimal level of privatization decreases monotonically as the level of uncertainty increases.

Suggested Citation

  • Goodhue, Rachael E. & Rausser, Gordon C. & Simon, Leo K., 1996. "Privatization, market liberalization and learning in transition economies," Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley, Working Paper Series qt6vw536q0, Department of Agricultural & Resource Economics, UC Berkeley.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:agrebk:qt6vw536q0
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    2. Koptchenov, Alexei A. & Ames, Glenn C.W., 1999. "The Russian Economic Crisis: Impact On Agriculture And Higher Education In The Chelyabinsk Oblast, Ural Region," Faculty Series 16727, University of Georgia, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics.
    3. Xie, Feng & Anderson, Hamish D. & Chi, Jing & Liao, Jing, 2019. "Does residual state ownership increase stock return volatility? Evidence from China's secondary privatization," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 234-251.
    4. Goel, Rajeev K. & Budak, Jelena, 2006. "Privatization in transition economies: Privatization scale and country size," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 30(1), pages 98-110, March.
    5. Campos, Nauro F. & Horváth, Roman, 2006. "Reform Redux: Measurement, Determinants and Reversals," IZA Discussion Papers 2093, IZA Network @ LISER.
    6. Allen, James E., 2018. "Are agricultural markets more developed around cities? Testing for urban heterogeneity in separability in Tanzania," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 79(C), pages 199-212.
    7. Odhiambo, Mark O. & Oluoch-Kosura, Willis & Kibiego, Michael B., 2006. "Analysis of the Structure and Performance of the Beans Marketing System in Nairobi," 2006 Annual Meeting, August 12-18, 2006, Queensland, Australia 25440, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    8. Hans J. Czap & Kanybek D. Nur-tegin, 2011. "Big Bang vs. Gradualism – A Productivity Analysis," EuroEconomica, Danubius University of Galati, issue 29, pages 38-56, August.
    9. da Rocha, Bruno T., 2015. "Let the markets begin: The interplay between free prices and privatisation in early transition," Journal of Comparative Economics, Elsevier, vol. 43(2), pages 350-370.

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