Self-Employment in the Non-Observed Economy and Its Impact on Economic Growth: A Meta-Analysis

Introduction. The study was motivated by the ambiguity in assessing the impact of self-employment on economic growth, especially in terms of non-observed self-employment. According to the research hypothesis, informal self-employment contributes to economic growth. Based on the results of the study conducted, the article summarizes and systematizes the theoretical views of scientists on the assessment of the nature of the impact of informal self-employment on economic growth. Materials and Methods. Scientific papers published in 2000–2020 in journals indexed by Scopus and Web of Science formed the theoretical basis of the study. The choice of this time period was justified by significant changes in the labor market caused by the increase in the number of self-employed people. The key method employed was meta-analysis of empirical research papers on the issues under study. This method makes it possible to generalize, evaluate, and analyze the results of empirical research, objectively identifying the regularities existing between research results and sources of disagreement. Results. An analysis of the essence of the concept of non-observed economy has been presented; the peculiarity of informal self-employment, as part of the non-observed economy, has been revealed. The points of view on the impact of the non-observed economy on economic growth have been considered; arguments from both points of view and the results of research on different countries, including Russia, have been presented. It has also been shown which research methods were used by various authors to assess the dependence of shadow self-employment. The studies that have the greatest effectiveness and universality in terms of possible practical use of the results obtained have been highlighted. The prerequisites and features of the formation of informal self-employment have been identified, its impact on economic growth has been estimated. Discussion and Conclusion. Recommendations for further theoretical and methodological research of the considered issues have been produced. The conclusions and results obtained can be useful in the further development of the Russian system of regulating the activities of self-employed people, since its effective construction requires scientific study and methodological substantiation of various options for its development using the experience of other countries.