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Multinational Enterprises: Their Private and Social Benefits and Costs

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  • Mark Casson

Abstract

Government policy‐makers in many countries compete to attract FDI because they believe that FDI will generate knowledge spillovers in the local economy. However, there is surprising little empirical evidence in favour of substantial spillovers. This raises the question of what benefits can be appropriated by host countries when spillovers are small. This paper analyses the issue using a simple model of the global strategy of a profit‐maximising MNE. It is based on a partial equilibrium model of the firm; although less sophisticated than the general equilibrium approach, it provides a sharper focus on fundamental policy issues. It shows that the principal social benefit conferred by an MNE is measured by the profit its subsidiary generates. This reflects the fact that, according to standard theory, the MNE is an institutional arrangement for appropriating rents from innovation. Other rents may also accrue to local factors of production. The model is used to appraise a range of alternative policy instruments for maximising national benefit from FDI.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Casson, 2007. "Multinational Enterprises: Their Private and Social Benefits and Costs," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(2), pages 308-328, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:worlde:v:30:y:2007:i:2:p:308-328
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9701.2007.00884.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mark Casson, 1985. "The Theory of Foreign Direct Investment," Palgrave Macmillan Books, in: The Economic Theory of the Multinational Enterprise, chapter 6, pages 113-143, Palgrave Macmillan.
    2. James R. Markusen, 2004. "Multinational Firms and the Theory of International Trade," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262633078, December.
    3. Mark Casson, 1979. "Alternatives to the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-04645-4.
    4. Rugman,Alan M., 2005. "The Regional Multinationals," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521842655.
    5. Katz, Barbara G. & Owen, Joel, 2006. "Should governments compete for foreign direct investment?," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 59(2), pages 230-248, February.
    6. Stephane J.G. Girod & Alan M. Rugman, 2005. "Regional Business Networks and the Multinational Retail Sector," Working Papers 2005-11, Indiana University, Kelley School of Business, Department of Business Economics and Public Policy.
    7. Peter J. Buckley & Mark Casson, 1985. "The Economic Theory of the Multinational Enterprise," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-1-349-05242-4.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marta Götz, 2016. "Policies towards the OFDI and IFDI in the European Union after the 2008+ crisis," Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review, Centre for Strategic and International Entrepreneurship at the Cracow University of Economics., vol. 4(2), pages 93-103.
    2. Eduardo Polloni‐Silva & Herick Fernando Moralles & Daisy Aparecida do Nascimento Rebelatto & Dominik Hartmann, 2021. "Are foreign companies a blessing or a curse for local development in Brazil? It depends on the home country and host region's institutions," Growth and Change, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 933-962, June.
    3. Mazlan, Nur Syazwani & Fadzilah, Farah Yushanis & Ibrahim, Saifuzzaman, 2019. "The Role of Globalisation in Improving Human Development in Malaysia," Jurnal Ekonomi Malaysia, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, vol. 53(2), pages 227-234.
    4. Mamoun Benmamoun & Kevin Lehnert, 2013. "Financing Growth: Comparing The Effects Of Fdi, Oda, And International Remittances," Journal of Economic Development, Chung-Ang Unviersity, Department of Economics, vol. 38(2), pages 43-65, June.

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