Journal of Economics - Obsahy ročníkov

This article seeks to contribute to current debate on the role of clusters in the competitiveness of member firms, by investigating the actual contribution of recently established clusters and by analyzing the intensity and nature of the links within two clusters, in the Czech Republic. The analysis is based on data, acquired through qualitative research – interviews – with both members and non-members of the two selected clusters (Clutex, a textile cluster, and Plastr, comprised of firms operating in the plastic industry). The results provide no decisive proof concerning the contribution of clusters to firm competitiveness; however, the interviewed firms recognise and appreciate several advantages of their cluster membership, such as joint research, joint purchasing of materials, improved marketing opportunities, etc. Surprisingly, much more intensive links were discovered in the case of the Clutex cluster, whose members are not con-centrated in one region, as are Plastr’s members, but are spread over several regions. This indicates the relevance of other factors, such as cognitive and organizational proximity, on the intensity of inter-firm linkages. Keywords: clusters, competitiveness, local buzz – global pipelines, geography of knowledge sources JEL Classification: R11, L14, O18, P25, D21

The paper offers a critical evaluation of theoretical and application findings about city marketing. It deals with specifics and limits of use of selected elements of marketing theory in conditions of the cities. It comes to a conclusion that application possibilities are much more limited than theoretical expectations are. The reason is not only political environment where there a decision making about marketing use takes place, but also a difficulty and complexity of the city as the marketing entity. Keywords: city marketing, urban development, marketing theory, marketing application JEL Classification: M31

Clusters, the geographic concentration of economic activities in a specific field connected through different types of linkages, are increasingly viewed as an interesting conceptual tool to understand the economic strength or competitiveness. In recent years, this view has also motivated more and more policy makers to turn to cluster-based concepts as new tools to strengthen both national and regional economies. The article is structured in the following ways: section 1 presents basic notion and historical background about clusters; section 2 provides main approaches towards the cluster policy. Section 3 is focused on the cluster policy in the Europe and 4 examines the cluster policies and initiatives across six different countries of the European Union. The conclusion gives the overview of the cluster policies stage in the selected countries and refers to the possibility to improve them. Keywords: cluster, mapping, cluster policy, regional development JEL Classification: L00, R12, R58

Business cycles in developed economies have changed in many ways in the second half of the 20th century (compared to the prewar period). The Japanese business cycles have been unique or different in certain aspects (compared to the previous development and to other developed countries or the average indicators). These particular features have intensified since the 1990´s, when Japan was hit by many serious macroeconomic problems. This study analyses key features of the Japanese post-war business cycles (with special attention to the period of the 1990´s). It compares the Japanese post-war expansions and recessions and the business cycles development in Japan and selected developed countries. Keywords: Japan, business cycles, recession, expansion JEL Classification: E32, N15

Paper inquires into theoretical debate on various approaches to monetary policy. It introduces ideas of two economic schools emphasizing monetary policy rules contrary to discretion. Proposed arguments reflect standpoints of ongoing debate from 20th century up to present days. Source of theoretical arguments advocating policy rules are economic schools of monetarism and rational expectations. On the other hand, swig to discretion defend schools of Keynesianism. Summarized are key arguments of both. Article contributes to academic debate even in situation of impaired competences of local central bank in domain of monetary policy. Keywords: monetary policy rules, discretion, Phillips curve, monetary policy JEL Classification: E52, E58

Network is one of the organisational forms of economic activities in tourism. It is oriented on the achievement of competing advantages and characterized by complex, reciprocating, rather cooperative than competing relations of independent bodies. For regional networks in tourism specific features are typical which result from their partner structure, orientation and partner relations. Regional networks in tourism have positive effects for various stakeholders. Many effects are characterized by contrariness, a network possibly sustains a certain aspect otherwise it causes perhaps just an opposed one. Keywords: knowledge-based economy, regional network in tourism, specific features, contradictory effects, network problems JEL Classification: R11