Inclusive Growth in Selected Central European Countries

This research aims to investigate inclusive growth in six selected Central European countries (Austria, Germany, and the V4 countries) during the years 2006 - 2012. We have relied on the assumption that pro-poor growth, according to its absolute definition, is in line with the definition of inclusive growth (World Bank, 2009). To investigate pro poor growth, the poverty equivalent growth rate methodology proposed by Kakwani et al. (2004 and 2008) has been applied. Pro poor growth has been analyzed according to its absolute, relative and poverty reducing definitions. The results show that the selected countries experienced positive economic growth accompanied by absolute pro-poor growth throughout the time range analyzed, but in only few time periods, and not for all of the poverty measures applied.