planned economies contrast with unplanned economies, specifically market economies, where autonomous firms operating in markets make decisions about production, distribution, pricing and investment. market economies that use indicative planning are variously referred to as planned market economies, mixed economies and mixed market economies. a command economy follows an administrative-command system and uses soviet-type economic planning which was characteristic of the former soviet union and eastern bloc before most of these countries converted to market economies. this highlights the central role of hierarchical administration and public ownership of production in guiding the allocation of resources in these economic systems.