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Factor Endowment, Innovation And International Trade Theory

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  • William H. Davidson

Abstract

Comparative advantage theory, as specified in the Heckscher‐Ohlin model, holds that nations export those commodities which intensively embody their relatively abundant factors of production. Factor endowment dictates world trade patterns in the general equilibrium models of international trade. The dynamic models of international trade, such as the product life cycle model, emphasize the role of innovation in determining trade patterns. Factor endowment also plays a role in these models. In particular, a wide body of literature ties innovative activity to relative factor cost levels. If innovators are responsive to relative factor costs, innovative activity may be directed towards those sectors with heaviest usage of the most expensive factors of production in an economy. If such innovation results in exports, trade patterns emerge which directly conflict with Heckscher‐Ohlin expectations. The results of this study suggest that innovative activity tends to be concentrated in industries which intensively use a nation's relatively expensive factors of production. This finding holds an alternative explanation for the Leontief paradox, and suggests a wider role for factor endowment in international trade theory.

Suggested Citation

  • William H. Davidson, 1979. "Factor Endowment, Innovation And International Trade Theory," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(4), pages 764-774, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:kyklos:v:32:y:1979:i:4:p:764-774
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-6435.1979.tb01144.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Stolpe, Michael, 1995. "Technology and the dynamics of specialization in open economies," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 738, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    2. Shahedul Alam Khan & Rumana Mubin, 2019. "Trade, Governance And The Mediating Role Of Innovation," Romanian Economic Business Review, Romanian-American University, vol. 14(3), pages 29-43, September.
    3. Ruttan, Vernon W., 1996. "Sources Of Technical Change: Induced Innovation, Evolutionary Theory And Path Dependence," Bulletins 12974, University of Minnesota, Economic Development Center.

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