Needs and demand in the informal sector and small enterprises for skills and knowledge: a transition country perspective

This paper reviews the enormous political, social and economic changes which have resulted from the collapse first of the Berlin Wall and later of the Soviet Union, and the effects these changes have had on labour markets in this region. The demands for skills and knowledge have changed considerably since the collapse of the highly centralised Soviet system of agriculture and industry as emerging countries in the region try to adapt to the changed circumstances. The author suggests that in most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe long term unemployment, especially among young people, is a serious problem. The paper looks at the educational processes in place under the Soviet system and the changes that need to be made for people to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for participation in the labour market, small enterprises and the informal sector.

Some of the papers from this conference are contained in a print volume which includes a CD-ROM containing more papers and may be found at TD/TNC 69.702. Selected papers from the conference are indexed from TD/TNC 69.703 to TD/TNC 69.734.

This paper reviews the enormous political, social and economic changes which have resulted from the collapse first of the Berlin Wall and later of the Soviet Union, and the effects these changes have had on labour markets in this region. The demands for skills and knowledge have changed considerably since the collapse of the highly centralised Soviet system of agriculture and industry as emerging countries in the region try to adapt to the changed circumstances. The author suggests that in most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe long term unemployment, especially among young ...  [+] Show more