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Beyond trading: knowledge spillovers and learning-by-exporting in global value chains

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  • Holger Graf
  • Hoda Mohamed

Abstract

Does exporting intermediate goods induce learning from importers? In this paper, we examine to what extent learning from German industries can be explained by knowledge spillovers, channeled through the export of intermediate goods. Our study is based on a sample of 27 German trade partners in 14 manufacturing industries for the period 2004–2016. Using data on patent citations and trading in intermediate goods, we find support for the widely known “learning-by-exporting” hypothesis. Our analyses reveal that citations to German patents are positively related to exported intermediate goods weighted by German R&D expenditure. The relationship between these spillovers and learning seems to be particularly strong in certain industries. We also show that the level of absorptive capacity of the exporting industry-country plays a positive role in mediating these spillovers.

Suggested Citation

  • Holger Graf & Hoda Mohamed, 2025. "Beyond trading: knowledge spillovers and learning-by-exporting in global value chains," Industrial and Corporate Change, Oxford University Press and the Associazione ICC, vol. 34(1), pages 144-170.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:indcch:v:34:y:2025:i:1:p:144-170.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • 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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