EJIST - European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

Studies and researches

Vol. 7 Issue 1 - 6/2015

European Welfare State in a Historical Perspective. A Critical Review

This paper provides an analysis of the historical evolution of the European welfare state, especially after the second half of the nineteenth century. Even if one considers that social protection systems have their origins in the period of German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, various social problems have been treated in European countries before the Bismarck’s social legislation, beginning with the sixteenth century. In this article we presented mainly (i) the origins of social policy systems in Europe, as shown in the literature covered, (ii) the conceptual evolution of the so-called “welfare state” and (iii) the development of social security schemes based on International Labour Organization typology. Read more

Keywords:
welfare state, social policy, social security schemes
JEL:
N00, H00, H53

Studies and researches

Vol. 10 Issue 2 - 12/2018

Young Romanians: Entrepreneurs in their Home Country?

Mihai VOLINTIRU

Clara VOLINTIRU

George Marian ŞTEFAN

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As outward migration and brain drain reach record numbers in Romania, we explore the pull factors that might contribute to a reversal. This paper presents the findings of the first large scale survey on the entrepreneurial intentions of the Romanian Diaspora. We have specifically targeted the category of graduates and young professionals as having the highest flexibility to relocate. The findings of our survey show a large inclination to start a business venture in the home country (79%). The main field in which the young Romanian Diaspora would be interested to develop an entrepreneurial project is IT&C (35.67%). We compare those findings with those from a domestic survey targeting the same age group, and find little differences in preferences, suggesting that country of residence is not a significant differentiating factor in the decision to start a business. The main perceived impediment for entrepreneurship in Romania is still excessive bureaucracy (76.03%). The reverse migration patterns are important for any developing economy in the world, as the case of Romania shows, where the return of the 200,000 Romanians (5%) could (gradually) contribute on the medium term with more than 11.5 billion euro to the country’s GDP. Read more

Keywords:
entrepreneurship, Romania, Diaspora, outward migration, EU funding
JEL:
O15, M20, D84

Studies and researches

Vol. 13 Issue 2 - 12/2021

Stakeholders’ Perception on the Social Burden of Cancer: Evidence from Romania

Rodica Milena ZAHARIA

Marius GEANTĂ

George Marian ŞTEFAN

Clara VOLINTIRU

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This paper aims to identify the perspective of multiple stakeholders on the socio-economic burden of cancer in Romania. The Romanian health system is among the poorest in the European Union and cancer patients are among the most vulnerable. They do not only face difficulties in accessing diagnosis and treatment, but they encounter obstacles on the labour market due to the lack of support from the authorities and business environment. Using a qualitative approach (focus group) different categories of stakeholders have been investigated: patient associations, practitioners (physicians), academics and labour market representatives. Six recurrent themes occurred from the analysis of these stakeholders’ perspectives: lack of data, financial toxicity of cancer caused by the burden of the “out of the pocket money”, healthcare insufficient resources (material and human), lack of interest in the patient needs, inconsistent and inefficient legal framework, and systemic deficiencies of the Romanian society. The results are important for policy makers in order to design a proper Cancer Policy in Romania. Read more

Keywords:
stakeholders, social burden of cancer, cancer policy, Romania
JEL:
I18, I13