Over the last century, European countries have adapted different forms of socio-economic development while maintaining the common fundamental characteristics of market economies. Significant differences in recognised systemic models primarily concern the level and scope of state integration in the economy, the system and tools for regulating economic processes, and the goals and shape of socio-economic policies.
The role and scope of both the market, as well as the state, in the economy, has long been the subject of intense theoretical discussion. In modern economic literature, it is possible – with some permissible simplifications – to specify different varieties of the socio-economic system (governance, model) in European countries. In particular, affiliation to individual models is dependent on two basic criteria: economic efficiency and social justice.
The course of contemporary socio-economic development processes in Europe – and especially the global financial crisis – has clearly shown that the neo-liberal economic system has exhausted its developmental capabilities. In particular, it has undermined the paradigm of the ability of this form of economy to achieve high economic efficiency, and the result of the imperfections of the system are growing global disparities in development, intensifying dramatic injustice, and income inequality in the population. Thus there arises a need to seek out and implement a new model of the social and economic system of the countries, and to establish a social and economic order that will be directed primarily towards achieving a fairer distribution of wealth among nations and social groups.
As evidenced by theoretical considerations, as well as research on the socio-economic effects on states of the social market economy (i.e. welfare states), countries implementing the idea of social justice to a greater extent, achieve long-term acceleration of economic growth and high efficiency of macroeconomics, without losing efficiency in the functioning of the state and fully realising the functions of social welfare.
The main objective of the conference is the presentation of scientific achievements and evaluation of the current state of research on new horizons of economic thought in the context of economic efficiency and social justice and identification of contemporary patterns and trends in the development of social and economic order in the 21st century. It is important, in this context, to indicate the impact of the regulatory system, macroeconomic and social policies, as well as international affiliations, on the performance by the state of its functions of social wellbeing in selected countries.
As evidenced by theoretical considerations, as well as research on the socio-economic effects on states of the social market economy (i.e. welfare states), countries implementing the idea of social justice to a greater extent, achieve long-term acceleration of economic growth and high efficiency of macroeconomics, without losing efficiency in the functioning of the state and fully realising the functions of social welfare.
The main objective of the conference is the presentation of scientific achievements and evaluation of the current state of research on new horizons of economic thought in the context of economic efficiency and social justice and identification of contemporary patterns and trends in the development of social and economic order in the 21st century. It is important, in this context, to indicate the impact of the regulatory system, macroeconomic and social policies, as well as international affiliations, on the performance by the state of its functions of social wellbeing in selected countries.
Focusing only on some – fundamental – social and economic problems concerning, in particular, Poland and Slovakia, it is possible to revise the current understanding and shaping of the contemporary socio-economic reality. The exploration and formulation of a new paradigm of economic theory and proposals for a more effective economic policy will constitute the main topic of panel discussions during the conference.
In addition, it should be added that literature reviews indicate that the last few decades have been a period of significant development of numerous business concepts and models taking into account entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship constitutes one of the research topics in economics. There are various theories combining entrepreneurship with economic growth, such as wealth theories, knowledge-based theories, and technology-based theories. Despite the numerous concepts, the fragmentation of theoretical knowledge in this area is clearly visible, hence, based on the existing achievements, it is still necessary to seek out a holistic solution for the dependence between entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development, which would correspond to the restrictions of mainstream economics.
To conclude, there is an urgent need for in-depth scientific reflection on the methods and instruments of economic development in theoretical and practical terms. On this basis an attempt will be made to answer the questions:
To conclude, there is an urgent need for in-depth scientific reflection on the methods and instruments of economic development in theoretical and practical terms. On this basis an attempt will be made to answer the questions:
- what role should the state play in the modern global economy?
- how is the current socio-economic order of the 21st century effective and/or fair?
- to what extent do entrepreneurship and innovation constitute factors of endogenous growth?
Threats to the development of economics (including entrepreneurship) are currently very serious, and globalisation processes create fertile ground for questioning current development trends towards effective and equitable development. All this gives rise to the questions: to what extent are such phenomena a transitional problem, and to what extent are they the beginning of a new, dangerous process, which will also be the subject of the conference.
In addition, this conference will have a special dimension as, apart from the incontestable cognitive values within the framework of economic sciences, it will be an extraordinary opportunity to visualise the past achievements and experiences of the double jubilee. On the one hand there will be the celebration of 45 years of Polish-Slovak scientific and didactic cooperation, combined with the presentation of the history and traditions of the Cracow University of Economics and the University of Economics in Bratislava. On the other, the conference will be an opportunity to present the scientific and organisational achievements of the Chair of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Cracow University of Economics, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.