The Spatial and Mechanism Difference in the Export Evolution of Product Space in Global Countries

This study focuses on investigating the changing export patterns, evolution characteristics, and influencing trade mechanisms of countries on a global scale. Based on comprehensive customs data, our study found that core location and export types, including machinery and chemical products, both play positive roles in promoting countries’ economic development. Developed countries are more likely to be at the core of the product space and to export machinery and chemical products. Countries’ R&D investment can affect the export location and types regardless of their economy, while high education matters in developed countries, and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is critical in developing countries. It indicates that technological benefits created by human capital can promote the export economy. Nevertheless, developing countries are not able to release strong knowledge spillover effects through their education systems, and they are relying more on the introduction of foreign investment to bring new technology.