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Technology Transfer in Global Value Chains

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  • Sampson, Thomas

Abstract

Firm-to-firm relationships in 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. The paper introduces a new taxonomy of value chains based on whether or not 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. By contrast, in exclusive value chains headquarters seeks 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. Weaker intellectual property rights over input production technologies raise welfare when value chains are inclusive, but have the opposite effect under exclusive value chains.

Suggested Citation

  • Sampson, Thomas, 2022. "Technology Transfer in Global Value Chains," CEPR Discussion Papers 16943, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:16943
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    1. is not listed on IDEAS
    2. 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.
    3. 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).
    4. Dumont, Michel, 2022. "Public support to business research and development in Belgium: fourth evaluation," MPRA Paper 115418, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    5. 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.
    6. 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.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D23 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Organizational Behavior; Transaction Costs; Property Rights
    • F10 - International Economics - - Trade - - - General
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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