Assessment of the government’s impact on the national economy in the Northern European countries

Abstract

Abstract. This article gives an analysis on the impact of the governments in the Northern European countries on their economies. The 2003-2017 period was chosen for analysis since statistical data thereof permit one to assess the aspiration of the countries to develop their economies over the entire economic cycle – growth, crisis and recovery. Economic factors used in the analysis are those that are most frequently selected by the states in enhancing the economy: state investments, creation of jobs in the public sector and public expenditure on Research and Development (R&E). Gross domestic product (GDP) was selected as an indicator reflecting the economic growth. Conclusions of analysis are provided at the end of the article.