Shadow Economy

Based on the theoretical literature, there are different and sometimes conflicting approaches about the effects of the shadow economy on per capita income. Considering the importance of this issue for economic policy, this study examines the effects of the shadow economy on per capita income for the period of 2005- 2017 using a panel generalized two stage estimator (PG2SLS) in two groups of developing and developed countries. Based on the results obtained in both groups, the size of the shadow economy has a negative effect on the per capita income. Also, the effects of the shadow economy on per capita income in developed countries are much higher than in developing countries, which is somewhat countrary to the theoretical framework. Stimating the model with the assumption of endogeneity of the shadow economy, for developing countries these effects have become negative and significant, but for developed countries these effects do not have the necessary significance.

The article presents the results of the analysis of the indicators of the level of the shadow economy in Ukraine in the period from 2010 to 2020. The level of shadow economy calculated on the basis of such methods as: unprofitable enterprises, monetary, population expenditures - retail trade - services and electricity was used for the analysis. The causes and consequences of shadow economic activity in Ukraine are given. The study found that the downward trend in the shadow economy persists despite the spread of the negative effects of the COVID - 19 pandemic and declining real GDP. In particular, three of the four methods used to assess the level of the shadow economy recorded a decrease in the level of the shadow economy (the method of "population expenditure - retail trade and services"; the electric method; the monetary method). At the same time, the method of enterprise losses showed an increase in the shadow economy, which is largely due to a significant deterioration in the financial situation of enterprises under the restrictions imposed to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the world and Ukraine, as well as logistical problems. The practical value of the results is determined by the fact that the conclusions and proposals can be used to more accurately and objectively calculate the level of the shadow economy, which in turn can be the basis for effective decisions to de-shadow and legalize Ukraine's economy.

The shadow economy (SE) is a pathological normalcy, not only in developing countries but also in developed ones, causing disagreeable distortions in the real economy. The causes of the shadow economy can be traced back to actors who operate outside the formal sector to reap the benefits. The way these actors work can both affect the quality of governance and affect it. The right to comment and accountability, political stability and non-violence, government efficiency, the quality of governance laws, the rule of law and the control of corruption are indicators of governance evaluation in this regard. Therefore, in this study, using Hishao causality method, the causal relationship between these indicators with the shadow economy in Iran during the years 1995 to 2017 has been investigated. Findings show that government efficiency, rule of law and control of corruption have a two-way relationship with the shadow economy and the indicators of the right to comment and accountability, political stability and non-violence and the quality of governance laws have a one-way relationship with it.