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Technology Transfer to Foreign Affiliates by Multinational Enterprises Technology Transfer to Foreign Affiliates by Multinational Enterprises

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  • Fors, Gunnar

    (Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN))

Abstract

This paper examines whether Swedish multinational enterprises transfer R&D-generated knowledge to their foreign affiliates. The empirical results suggest that such technology transfer takes place from parent companies to affiliates, especially in the case of newly established affiliates. In process industries, R&D undertaken in the affiliates seems to facilitate the transfer from the parent, highlighting the role of "receiver competence." The findings also support the view that technology is "embodied" in intermediary goods deliveries from parents to foreign affiliates. Embodied transfer appears to be more important to affiliates located in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Fors, Gunnar, 1996. "Technology Transfer to Foreign Affiliates by Multinational Enterprises Technology Transfer to Foreign Affiliates by Multinational Enterprises," Working Paper Series 456, Research Institute of Industrial Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:hhs:iuiwop:0456
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    1. Dimitratos, Pavlos & Liouka, Ioanna & Young, Stephen, 2009. "Regional location of multinational corporation subsidiaries and economic development contribution: Evidence from the UK," Journal of World Business, Elsevier, vol. 44(2), pages 180-191, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technology Transfer; Multinationals; Foreign Affiliates;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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