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Export upgrading and growth: the prerequisite of domestic embeddedness

Author

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  • Sandra PONCET

    (Université de Paris I)

  • Felipe STAROSTA DE WALDEMAR

    (FERDI)

Abstract

Our work contributes to the literature relating output structure and economic development by showing that growth gains from upgrading are not unconditional. Relying on data from a panel of Chinese cities, we show that the level of capabilities available to domestic firms operating in ordinary trade is an important driver of economic growth. However, no direct gains emanate from the complexity of goods produced by either processing-trade activities or foreign firms. This suggests that the sources of product upgrading matter, and that domestic embeddedness is key in order for capacity building and technology adoption to be growth enhancing.

Suggested Citation

  • Sandra PONCET & Felipe STAROSTA DE WALDEMAR, 2012. "Export upgrading and growth: the prerequisite of domestic embeddedness," Working Papers P57, FERDI.
  • Handle: RePEc:fdi:wpaper:150
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General
    • O53 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Asia including Middle East
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics

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