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Linked in by foreign direct investment: The role of firm-level relationships in knowledge transfers in Africa and Asia

Author

Listed:
  • Carol Newman
  • John Page
  • John Rand
  • Abebe Shimeles
  • Måns Söderbom
  • Finn Tarp

Abstract

This study combines evidence from interviews in seven countries with (i) government institutions responsible for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), (ii) 102 multinational enterprises (MNEs), and (iii) 226 domestic firms linked to these foreign affiliates as suppliers, customers, or competitors. The purpose of the interviews was to identify whether relations between MNEs and domestic firms lead to direct transfers of knowledge/technology. We first document that there are relatively few linkages between MNEs and domestic firms in sub-Saharan Africa compared with Asia.

Suggested Citation

  • Carol Newman & John Page & John Rand & Abebe Shimeles & Måns Söderbom & Finn Tarp, 2018. "Linked in by foreign direct investment: The role of firm-level relationships in knowledge transfers in Africa and Asia," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2018-161, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2018-161
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    References listed on IDEAS

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