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Multinational firms, technology and location

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  • Norback, Pehr-Johan

Abstract

This paper analyzes a three-stage optimization problem in which a firm chooses (i) its technology, by deciding on a level of R&D, (ii) whether this technology is to be used in a domestic or in a foreign plant and (iii) the quantity produced and sold on the market. If technology transfer costs are low, "high-tech" or R&D-intensive firms tend to produce abroad. At higher technology transfer costs, high-tech firms tend to export. An empirical analysis using a data set of Swedish multinational firms, confirms the latter prediction.
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  • Norback, Pehr-Johan, 2001. "Multinational firms, technology and location," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 54(2), pages 449-469, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:inecon:v:54:y:2001:i:2:p:449-469
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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