The return of comparative economic systems: An extension of János Kornai's contribution

Abstract Kornai profoundly contributed to place the system to the centre of economic analysis. His multidisciplinary system paradigm is fundamental for understanding and analysing the variety of economic solutions and its consequences. The strong scientific foundation of Kornai's approach provides a fruitful opportunity to further develop and apply it to the most fundamental economic issues, such as explaining the different performance and strength of different economies and societies. The inclusion of a multidisciplinary perspective has the significant advantage of keeping under control non-economic factors that influence economic activities and performance and allows to account for the real behaviour and evolution of economies and societies. It can also contribute to explain the resilience of economic and social systems and economies. The paper takes stock of the importance of Kornai's analysis and method and applies them to better understanding the nature and working of the European Union and its difficulties. Based on Kornai's approach, the paper considers how the European Union should evolve to make itself workable and resilient in front of a threatening international environment.