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FDI, Intermediate Inputs and Firm Performance: Theory and Evidence from Italy

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  • Michele Imbruno
  • Rosanna Pittiglio
  • Filippo Reganati

Abstract

This paper theoretically and empirically studies – using data from Italian manufacturing firms – how the foreign presence in the intermediate good sector (i.e. input FDI) affects firm efficiency and aggregate productivity within final good sector. We show that an important role is played by the absorptive capacity. More specifically, if all firms are able to use intermediate inputs from foreign-owned suppliers, then all of them will enjoy productivity gains from input FDI without any reallocation effect. Conversely, if only the most productive firms can use intermediate inputs from foreign-owned suppliers, while these firms can enhance further their efficiency, the other firms might suffer productivity losses from input FDI, causing some reallocation effects within final good sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Michele Imbruno & Rosanna Pittiglio & Filippo Reganati, 2015. "FDI, Intermediate Inputs and Firm Performance: Theory and Evidence from Italy," Discussion Papers 2015-15, University of Nottingham, GEP.
    • Handle: RePEc:not:notgep:15/15
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    1. Andrea Ciani & Michele Imbruno, 2017. "Microeconomic mechanisms behind export spillovers from FDI: evidence from Bulgaria," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 153(4), pages 703-734, November.
    2. Imbruno, Michele & Kneller, Richard & Pittiglio, Rosanna & Reganati, Filippo, 2022. "Outward FDI Spillovers from Inward FDI: Evidence from Italian Firms," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 434-443.

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    Keywords

    Heterogeneous firms; multinationals; FDI; intermediate inputs; productivity;
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