On the prospects for the evolution of the problematics of economic theory in the period after the COVID-19 pandemic

In: Russian Economic Journal, Heft 3, S. 3-14

Abstract

The article is devoted to the prospects of the evolution of the problematics of economic theory in the post-COVID period. At the same time, the author proceeds from a number of methodological assumptions, including the following two. First, one of the general and enduring tasks of this theory is to anticipate the next challenges on the path of socio-economic development. Secondly, the reconstruction of history is considered in economic science as a tool not only for solving current problems, but also for predicting new challenges. For example, is it advisable to maintain the increased influence of the state on the economy in the context of COVID-19 after the end of the pandemic? This is one of the questions facing economic theory. It is given a non-trivial nature by the tendency of increasing various risks faced by socio-economic development. The challenges associated with the artificial overflow of information channels and manipulation of the behavior of economic agents require close attention. As a particularly important task of economic science, the author sees the search for ways to adapt national economies and their agents in the increased turbulence of the economic environment as a «new normality». As a result, the importance of scientific development of institutional and structural solutions that ensure the adaptability of socio-economic systems increases dramatically.