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The impact of China’s outward foreign direct investment on domestic innovation

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  • Dong, Zhixiao
  • Miao, Zhuang
  • Zhang, Yan

Abstract

This paper explores the reversal technology spillovers of outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) on Chinese firms. Combining a uniquely merged database of Chinese firm-level OFDI and patent data and applying the Propensity-Score-Method-Difference-In-Differences (PSM-DID) methodology, we find a positive causal effect of OFDI on invention patent applications. Some estimations of heterogeneous effects show that OFDI promotes invention patent applications for private enterprises but has mute impact on state-owned and foreign-owned enterprises. With respect to OFDI host countries, OFDI toward developed countries is more effective for promoting innovation activities than developing countries. Three potential transmission channels of OFDI are empirically tested: direct technology purchases, access to high-tech inputs, and international mobility of personnel. Lastly, some policy implications are raised for China’s “Going Out” strategy and the economic development driven by innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong, Zhixiao & Miao, Zhuang & Zhang, Yan, 2021. "The impact of China’s outward foreign direct investment on domestic innovation," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:asieco:v:75:y:2021:i:c:s1049007821000361
    DOI: 10.1016/j.asieco.2021.101307
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    Cited by:

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    4. Zhang, Yongmin & Zhang, Zhenbang & Jin, Hanglin & Tu, Wenjun & Liu, Yingnan, 2024. "Innovation and OFDI along the Belt and Road," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    5. Tao Tang & Brayan Tillaguango & Rafael Alvarado & Ximena Songor-Jaramillo & Priscila Méndez & Stefania Pinzón, 2022. "Heterogeneity in the Causal Link between FDI, Globalization and Human Capital: New Empirical Evidence Using Threshold Regressions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-27, July.
    6. Xing Zhou & Quan Guo & Ming Zhang, 2021. "Impacts of OFDI on Host Country Energy Consumption and Home Country Energy Efficiency Based on a Belt and Road Perspective," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-25, November.
    7. Qu, Jianying & Li, Ke & Ye, Ze & Shao, Shuai, 2022. "The impact of differential power pricing policy on firm productivity in China: Evidence from iron and steel firms," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    8. Guangyuan Xing & Hao Dong, 2023. "Outward Foreign Direct Investment and Industrial Structure Upgrading: The Mediating Role of Reverse Green Technology Innovation, the Moderating Role of R&D Investment and Environmental Regulation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Outward foreign direct investment; Patents; Innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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