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Slavcho Zagorov (1898–1970), A forgotten pioneer of energy and ecological economics

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Listed:
  • Nenovska, Nona
  • Magnin, Eric
  • Nenovsky, Nikolay

Abstract

This article aims to rediscover a relatively unknown author to the general public, Slavcho Zagorov, and to revive his ideas. Zagorov was a Bulgarian economist and statistician whose main works date back to 1954 and are mainly devoted to the concept of energy flows in the economy and human metabolism explained through the prism of thermodynamics. His work and career are reminiscent of another Balkan economist, Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen. We first present Zagorov's theoretical work on the importance of energy in economic activity and secondly on the measurement of national income and productivity through energy. Thirdly, we show the relation he establishes between energy and utility. Finally, we discuss his texts in relation to his professional and personal trajectory and point out some preliminary elements of comparison with Georgescu-Roegen's work.

Suggested Citation

  • Nenovska, Nona & Magnin, Eric & Nenovsky, Nikolay, 2024. "Slavcho Zagorov (1898–1970), A forgotten pioneer of energy and ecological economics," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:226:y:2024:i:c:s0921800924002465
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108349
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Nikolay Nenovsky & Tsvetelina Marinova, 2022. "The first steps of the lender of last resort in Bulgaria. History and debates during the Great Depression," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 1, pages 28-53.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Slavcho Zagorov; Nicholas Georgescu-Roegen; Energy; Bioeconomics; Productivity; National Income;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B31 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - Individuals
    • B30 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought: Individuals - - - General
    • N01 - Economic History - - General - - - Development of the Discipline: Historiographical; Sources and Methods
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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