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The Contribution of FDI, Technology and R&D to Spillovers in Industrial Development: A South African Firm-Level Investigation

Author

Listed:
  • Ewert P. J. Kleynhans

    (North-West University, Republic of South Africa)

  • Sibulele Zwedala

    (North-West University, Republic of South Africa)

Abstract

This article studies the contribution of technological and knowledge spillovers towards the competitiveness of South African manufacturing firms. Literature often emphasizes the role of foreign direct investment (FDI), technology, and research and development (R&D) in spillovers, but seldom consider their effect simultaneously. This study focuses on the micro-economic production level and on the interaction of these factors. It determines their influence on the competitiveness, profits and eventual industrial development. The empirical study utilised data from the World Bank’s firm-level survey on South African manufacturers. The study reveals that direct foreign investments and ownership contribute little towards secondary spillovers, which probably depends on absorptive capacity. Technological advancement is not very significant, while research and development are dependent on absorptive capacity to enhance competitiveness, especially with regard to the investment in human capital. International quality certification, foreign licensing and capacity utilisation all contribute positively towards the ability to enhance productivity growth and the competitiveness of firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Ewert P. J. Kleynhans & Sibulele Zwedala, 2012. "The Contribution of FDI, Technology and R&D to Spillovers in Industrial Development: A South African Firm-Level Investigation," Managing Global Transitions, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 10(4 (Winter), pages 341-359.
    • Handle: RePEc:mgt:youmgt:v:10:y:2012:i:4:p:341-359
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bruno Cassiman & Reinhilde Veugelers, 2002. "R&D Cooperation and Spillovers: Some Empirical Evidence from Belgium," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 92(4), pages 1169-1184, September.
    2. Dahl, Michael S. & Pedersen, Christian O.R., 2004. "Knowledge flows through informal contacts in industrial clusters: myth or reality?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 33(10), pages 1673-1686, December.
    3. Brian J. Aitken & Ann E. Harrison, 2022. "Do Domestic Firms Benefit from Direct Foreign Investment? Evidence from Venezuela," World Scientific Book Chapters, in: Globalization, Firms, and Workers, chapter 6, pages 139-152, World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd..
    4. Stan Du Plessis & Ben Smit, 2007. "South Africa's Growth Revival After 1994," Journal of African Economies, Centre for the Study of African Economies, vol. 16(5), pages 668-704, November.
    5. Kesidou, Effie & Romijn, Henny, 2008. "Do Local Knowledge Spillovers Matter for Development? An Empirical Study of Uruguay's Software Cluster," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 2004-2028, October.
    6. Giuliani, Elisa & Arza, Valeria, 2009. "What drives the formation of 'valuable' university-industry linkages?: Insights from the wine industry," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 38(6), pages 906-921, July.
    7. Blomstrom, Magnus & Sjoholm, Fredrik, 1999. "Technology transfer and spillovers: Does local participation with multinationals matter?1," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 43(4-6), pages 915-923, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L30 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - General
    • L60 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - General
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General

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