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Knowledge spillovers from FDI in China: The role of educated labor in multinational enterprises

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  • Todo, Yasuyuki
  • Zhang, Weiying
  • Zhou, Li-An

Abstract

This paper employs a firm-level panel data set for a high-tech cluster in China to examine knowledge spillovers from multinational enterprises (MNEs) to domestic firms, focusing on the role of MNEs' employment of educated workers. We find that knowledge of MNEs spills over to domestic firms in the same industry through MNEs' employment of workers with graduate-level or overseas education. We also find that Japanese MNEs contribute less to knowledge spillovers than US MNEs. This is likely due to the fact that Japanese MNEs in China do not employ much educated labor.

Suggested Citation

  • Todo, Yasuyuki & Zhang, Weiying & Zhou, Li-An, 2009. "Knowledge spillovers from FDI in China: The role of educated labor in multinational enterprises," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 20(6), pages 626-639, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:20:y:2009:i:6:p:626-639
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    4. Fariha Kamal, 2014. "Does Firm Ownership Affect Spillover Opportunities? Evidence From Chinese Manufacturing," Journal of Regional Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 54(1), pages 137-154, January.
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    7. Yingqi Wei & Xiaohui Liu & Jiangyong Lu & Jingjing Yang, 2017. "Chinese Migrants and their Impact on Homeland Development," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(11), pages 2354-2377, November.
    8. Shiyong Zhao, 2024. "Foreign business presence and local entrepreneurship development: evidence from China," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    9. Ziliang Deng & Honglin Guo & Guilan Kong, 2011. "Efficiency Spillovers of Foreign Direct Investment in the Chinese Banking System," Global Economic Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 40(2), pages 179-191.
    10. Fei Yu & Yanrui Wu, 2013. "Patent Citations and Knowledge Spillovers: An Analysis of Chinese Patents Registered in the US," Economics Discussion / Working Papers 13-08, The University of Western Australia, Department of Economics.
    11. International Monetary Fund, 2016. "Tunisia: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2016/047, International Monetary Fund.
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    13. Nguyen-Huu, Thanh Tam & Nguyen-Khac, Minh, 2017. "Impacts of export-platform FDI on backward linkages - Do third country size, trade agreements and heterogeneity of firms matter? Evidence from the Vietnamese supporting industries," Economics Discussion Papers 2017-21, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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