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Productivity convergence and foreign ownership at the establishment level

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  • Griffith, Rachel
  • Redding, Stephen
  • Simpson, Helen

Abstract

This paper investigates whether there is convergence in Total Factor Productivity towards the technological frontier at the establishment level. We find convergence to the frontier is statistically and quantitatively important, suggesting the existence of technology spillovers. Foreign multinationals make up a significant proportion of establishments at the technological frontier, and therefore make a contribution to productivity growth through technology transfer. We also find evidence that increased foreign presence within an industry raises the speed of convergence to the technological frontier.

Suggested Citation

  • Griffith, Rachel & Redding, Stephen & Simpson, Helen, 2003. "Productivity convergence and foreign ownership at the establishment level," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 3666, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
  • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:3666
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI); Knowledge Spillovers; Competition;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O47 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Empirical Studies of Economic Growth; Aggregate Productivity; Cross-Country Output Convergence
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business

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