"Scientific research" Almanac

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  MEASURING POVERTY IN BULGARIA: STATISTICAL ASPECTS

  Fighting poverty and social exclusion is among the biggest issues of modern social development and a priority of the social policy at both national and European level. The main goal of this paper is to explore the statistical dimensions of poverty in Bulgaria via theoretical justification and empirical analysis of the level, dynamics and ... Fighting poverty and social exclusion is among the biggest issues of modern social development and a priority of the social policy at both national and European level. The main goal of this paper is to explore the statistical dimensions of poverty in Bulgaria via theoretical justification and empirical analysis of the level, dynamics and determining factors of poverty for the period 2008–2017. The research thesis of the study is that the Gini coefficient and the multiple binary logistic regression models are appropriate analytical tools for analyzing the relationships and identifying the part of the population that is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. In this paper, we present the conceptual basis of poverty as a subject of the statistical analysis. We clarify the organizational and methodological aspects of the data provision. We have performed empirical analysis of the dynamics and factor relationships of poverty in Bulgaria on the basis of the statistical information, obtained from NSI and Eurostat. We have developed multiple regression models and estimated the socio-demographic conditions of poverty. The main results of the study can be summarized in several areas. The application of the statistical approach is a necessity for identifying the level and the factor relationships of poverty. The quantitative measure of poverty is based on comprehensive statistical information that is collected in accordance with the Eurostat methodology and adapted at a national level by the NSI. The dynamics of the Gini coefficient reveals that income inequality of the population is rising. The multiple logistic regression model states that the impact of the variables “gender”, “age” and “region” are statistically significant. The derived probabilities and odds ratios can be used in developing policies for poverty reduction.

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  TERRITORIAL DIVISION OF BULGARIA - PROBLEMS AND PERSPECTIVES

  The new territorial division is one of the hottest topics in the country's regional policy. It is not accidental that they call it Pandora's box because regional and local authorities have issues related to Cohesion Policy instruments and their regional impact, which is difficult to be objectively assessed. The objective of the study is to ... The new territorial division is one of the hottest topics in the country's regional policy. It is not accidental that they call it Pandora's box because regional and local authorities have issues related to Cohesion Policy instruments and their regional impact, which is difficult to be objectively assessed. The objective of the study is to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the different scenarios for a new territorial division of the country, to identify those that are most appropriate to the purposes of sustainable and balanced development and to formulate target-oriented development policies.The research thesis is that decisions for territorial division should be based on in-depth research with appropriate scientific tools, the results of which are considered to be objective criteria when defining the boundaries of territorial units. The tasks of the survey are: study of the legal framework of the territorial division in the EU and in the country; GAP analysis of existing territorial zoning, incl. asymmetries between existing planning regions; comparative analysis of options for a new territorial division; developing targeted development policies for the regions. All scheduled tasks are met. Five scenarios have been analyzed and a variant for territorial division is presented, which corresponds to the legislative framework and specifics in the country despite some weaknesses. Among the most important conclusions is the need to reach a political consensus on the balanced sustainable development of the country, which should be considered a medium and long-term priority objective.

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  SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE BULGARIAN DANUBE REGION – TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

  The aim of this research paper is to examine and analyse the trends and prospects in the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region in the period between 2010 and 2017. The thesis of the paper is that, because of the changes that the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region has undergone, there are clear trends and ... The aim of this research paper is to examine and analyse the trends and prospects in the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region in the period between 2010 and 2017. The thesis of the paper is that, because of the changes that the socio-economic development of the Bulgarian Danube region has undergone, there are clear trends and considerable potential for progress. The objectives of the research are: 1. To examine the economic development of the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 2. To identify major demographic issues in the Bulgarian Danube region. 3. To assess the labour market in the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 4. To analyse the social development in the districts in the Bulgarian Danube region. 5. To study the level of poverty in the Bulgarian Danube region, its current condition and trends in its development. The main conclusion of the practical research we have conducted is that unfavourable trends in the demographic development of the administrative districts in the Bulgarian Danube region, increasing unemployment and reducing the average wage in the sectors of the social sphere are the result of both the natural population mobility and migration processes and the economic situation in the country. The poverty level in the region is close to the average poverty level for the country, yet, the specific features and the dynamics of its development require a differentiated approach in order to cut poverty and boost economic security at a regional level.