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Technology Transfer in Global Value Chains

Author

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  • Thomas Sampson

Abstract

Global value chains create opportunities for North-South technology diffusion. This paper studies technology transfer in value chains when contracts are incomplete and input production technologies are imperfectly excludable. It introduces a new taxonomy of value chains based on whether the headquarters firm benefits from imitation of its supplier's technology. In inclusive value chains, where imitation is beneficial, the headquarters firm promotes technology diffusion. But in exclusive value chains headquarters seek to limit supplier imitation. The paper analyzes how this distinction affects the returns to offshoring, the welfare effects of technical change, and the social efficiency of knowledge sharing.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Sampson, 2024. "Technology Transfer in Global Value Chains," American Economic Journal: Microeconomics, American Economic Association, vol. 16(2), pages 103-146, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aejmic:v:16:y:2024:i:2:p:103-46
    DOI: 10.1257/mic.20220016
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    Cited by:

    1. Peter S. Eppinger & Bohdan Kukharskyy & Alireza Naghavi & Gianmarco I. P. Ottaviano, 2025. "Slice to Protect," Working Papers 2025.16, International Network for Economic Research - INFER.
    2. Dumont, Michel, 2022. "Public support to business research and development in Belgium: fourth evaluation," MPRA Paper 115418, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. D. Dessì & R. Paci, 2023. "The impact of Global Value Chains participation on countries' productivity," Working Paper CRENoS 202305, Centre for North South Economic Research, University of Cagliari and Sassari, Sardinia.
    4. Marjit, Sugata & Das, Gouranga G. & Yang, Lei, 2025. "The role of finance in production and international trade," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 75(PA).
    5. Paul Winter & Hilary Devine & John Janssen & Chris Thompson, 2025. "Why not both? The effects of innovation and capital on productivity in New Zealand," Treasury Analytical Notes Series an25/12, New Zealand Treasury.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L14 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Transactional Relationships; Contracts and Reputation
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • 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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