- 02 Mar 2017
- What Do You Think?
Is China About to Overtake the US for World Trade Leadership?
SUMMING UP. It's better for the United States if China is an economic ally rather than a competitor for world trade leadership, James Heskett's readers conclude. Open for comment; Comment(s) posted.
- 06 Nov 2006
- Research & Ideas
How South Africa Challenges Our Thinking on FDI
After the fall of apartheid, South Africa accepted the standard prescription for countries to receive more foreign direct investment. Yet FDI has been a mere trickle. Why? The answer may reside in the country's strong corporate environment, says HBS professor Eric D. Werker. Key concepts include: South Africa has received just a fraction of the foreign direct investment experienced by other comparable emerging-market economies, challenging some standard views about how FDI works. After apartheid, South African conglomerates had money to invest as well as a large market share within their industry. Foreign firms or asset managers who want exposure to South Africa might simply choose to go through financial markets. A major test of South Africa's infrastructure and security will be World Cup soccer in 2010. Closed for comment; 0 Comment(s) posted.
- 27 Sep 2006
- Working Paper Summaries
How Does Foreign Direct Investment Promote Economic Growth? Exploring the Effects of Financial Markets on Linkages
Does FDI help developing countries as much as we think? While theoretical models imply that FDI is beneficial for a host country's development—a belief widely shared among policymakers—the empirical evidence does not support this view. This paper bridges the gap between theoretical and empirical literature with a model and calibration exercises that examine the role of local financial markets. Ultimately, Alfaro and colleagues contribute to existing research that emphasizes how local policies and institutions may actually limit the potential benefits that FDI could provide to a host country. Key concepts include: Research shows that an increase in FDI leads to higher growth rates in financially developed countries compared to rates observed in financially poor countries. Local conditions, such as the development of financial markets and the educational level of a country, affect the impact of FDI on economic growth. Policymakers should exercise caution when trying to attract FDI that is complementary to local production. The best connections are between final and intermediate industry sectors, not necessarily between domestic and foreign final goods producers. Human capital plays a critical role in achieving growth benefits from FDI. Closed for comment; 0 Comment(s) posted.
- 09 Apr 2001
- Research & Ideas
Marketing a Country: Promotion as a Tool for Attracting Foreign Investment.
Using marketing tools and techniques to attract foreign investors is a common practice for many countries. But finding the right mix of techniques and organizations to do the promotion is key to successful marketing programs. Closed for comment; 0 Comment(s) posted.
Fencing Off Silicon Valley: Cross-Border Venture Capital and Technology Spillovers
This study of foreign corporate investment transactions from 32 countries between 1976 and 2015 finds these investments pose a trade-off: While they support young firms in pursuing innovations they could not otherwise afford, they also generate knowledge for the foreign investors.