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Firm heterogeneity and development: A meta-analysis of FDI productivity spillovers

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  • Anagaw Derseh Mebratie
  • Peter A. G. van Bergeijk

Abstract

We analyse the rich literature on FDI spillovers analysing econometric studies published over 1983-2010 and dealing with national studies in 30 developing countries and emerging markets. We find that these studies ignore two sources of heterogeneity: exports and - especially - R&D. Our meta-analysis corrects for differences in research design (including regional effects, sample size and level of aggregation). We observe positive and significant effects for heterogeneity in terms of labour quality, size and export. This robustness contrasts with contradictory findings for foreign ownership where 63% of the coefficients are insignificant or negative.

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  • Anagaw Derseh Mebratie & Peter A. G. van Bergeijk, 2013. "Firm heterogeneity and development: A meta-analysis of FDI productivity spillovers," The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(1), pages 53-74, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:jitecd:v:22:y:2013:i:1:p:53-74
    DOI: 10.1080/09638199.2013.745281
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    7. Ramstetter, Eric D. & Narjoko, Dionisius, 2013. "Foreign Ownership, State Ownership and Energy Efficiency in Indonesia's Private Manufacturing Plants," AGI Working Paper Series 2013-17, Asian Growth Research Institute.
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    9. Ramstetter, Eric D. & Kohpaiboon, Archanun, 2013. "Foreign Ownership and Energy Efficiency in Thailand’s Local Manufacturing Plants," AGI Working Paper Series 2013-15, Asian Growth Research Institute.
    10. Ugur, Mehmet & Churchill, Sefa Awaworyi & Luong, Hoang M., 2020. "What do we know about R&D spillovers and productivity? Meta-analysis evidence on heterogeneity and statistical power," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(1).
    11. Shi He, 2019. "In Search of Determinants of FDI Forward Spillovers A Meta-Analysis," Current Research in Agricultural Sciences, Conscientia Beam, vol. 7(1), pages 10-19.
    12. Selwyn J. V. Moons & Peter A. G. Bergeijk, 2017. "Does Economic Diplomacy Work? A Meta-analysis of Its Impact on Trade and Investment," The World Economy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(2), pages 336-368, February.
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    14. Peter A. G. van Bergeijk & Sara Lazzaroni, 2015. "Macroeconomics of Natural Disasters: Strengths and Weaknesses of Meta‐Analysis Versus Review of Literature," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 35(6), pages 1050-1072, June.
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