Evolution of the Category of Public Goods: A Retrospective Analysis and Current Trends
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17308/econ.2026.3/14214Keywords:
economic theory, state economic policyAbstract
Subject. Public goods are an integral part of the modern economic system. In this regard, an analysis of the positions of economists from various schools of thought and historical periods regarding the evolution of this category represents a relevant objective for scientific research.
Purpose. To identify trends in the evolution of the public goods category as a function of socio-economic system development and the historical stages of economic science.
Methodology. We used universal methods such as analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction, analogy, scientific abstraction, and retrospective analysis.
Results. With the development of the socio-economic system, the range of socially necessary goods expands, including goods whose properties of non-excludability and non-rivalry - previously considered distinctive features of public goods - are not fully expressed. Moreover, when external conditions change, goods can "evolve," acquiring more public or private features. The task for both theory and practice become not the search for a minimally necessary volume of public goods, but rather a combination that allows for the maximum positive effect without overburdening the budget system. In this context, research devoted to analyzing accumulated experience and substantiating the effectiveness of various mechanisms for the production and distribution of public goods under specific socio-economic conditions becomes particularly relevant.
Conclusions. The results of the study can be used as a theoretical foundation for examining more specific issues related to public goods, for the development and evaluation of regulatory legal acts concerning the production and distribution of public goods, as well as for teaching economic disciplines.
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