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The dynamics of outsourcing: From labor cost‐saving to preference‐based outsourcing

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  • Wan‐Jung Cheng
  • Raymond Riezman
  • Ping Wang

Abstract

Jones's (2000) celebrated book has inspired a generation of work devoted to understanding the causes and consequences of outsourcing. While much of this work has focused on the outsourcing versus domestic production decision of the firm, with labor cost‐saving as the key driver for outsourcing, we further explore how preference‐based outsourcing may arise in a dynamic world equilibrium. We address this problem in a North–South model in which the outsourcing decision depends not only on labor costs but also on information about local preferences that arise with outsourcing. As the South develops, demand for manufactured goods becomes more important, so identifying specific tastes of Southern consumers matters more. As a result, preference‐based outsourcing displaces cost‐saving outsourcing. Our quantitative analysis indicates that, as both agricultural and manufacturing technologies grow over time, the dynamic world equilibrium switches from the export regime to the cost‐saving outsourcing regime, and eventually to the preference‐based outsourcing regime.

Suggested Citation

  • Wan‐Jung Cheng & Raymond Riezman & Ping Wang, 2021. "The dynamics of outsourcing: From labor cost‐saving to preference‐based outsourcing," International Journal of Economic Theory, The International Society for Economic Theory, vol. 17(1), pages 57-73, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:ijethy:v:17:y:2021:i:1:p:57-73
    DOI: 10.1111/ijet.12292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matsuyama, Kiminori, 1992. "Agricultural productivity, comparative advantage, and economic growth," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 58(2), pages 317-334, December.
    2. Pol Antràs, 2005. "Incomplete Contracts and the Product Cycle," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 95(4), pages 1054-1073, September.
    3. Wan‐Jung Cheng & Raymond Riezman & Ping Wang, 2021. "The dynamics of outsourcing: From labor cost‐saving to preference‐based outsourcing," International Journal of Economic Theory, The International Society for Economic Theory, vol. 17(1), pages 57-73, March.
    4. Gene M. Grossman & Elhanan Helpman, 2005. "Outsourcing in a Global Economy," Review of Economic Studies, Oxford University Press, vol. 72(1), pages 135-159.
    5. Spulber, Daniel F., 2008. "Innovation and international trade in technology," Journal of Economic Theory, Elsevier, vol. 138(1), pages 1-20, January.
    6. Ronald W. Jones, 2000. "Globalization and the Theory of Input Trade," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 026210086x, December.
    7. Gene M. Grossman & Elhanan Helpman, 2002. "Integration versus Outsourcing in Industry Equilibrium," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 117(1), pages 85-120.
    8. repec:hoo:wpaper:e-92-3 is not listed on IDEAS
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    10. Raymond Riezman & Ping Wang, 2009. "Preference Bias and Outsourcing to Market: A Steady‐State Analysis," Review of International Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 17(2), pages 338-356, May.
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    1. Wan‐Jung Cheng & Raymond Riezman & Ping Wang, 2021. "The dynamics of outsourcing: From labor cost‐saving to preference‐based outsourcing," International Journal of Economic Theory, The International Society for Economic Theory, vol. 17(1), pages 57-73, March.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F43 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Economic Growth of Open Economies
    • O19 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - International Linkages to Development; Role of International Organizations

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