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Quid Pro Quo: Technology Capital Transfers for Market Access in China

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  • Thomas J. Holmes
  • Ellen R. McGrattan
  • Edward C. Prescott

Abstract

Despite the recent rapid development and greater openness of China's economy, FDI flows between China and technologically advanced countries are relatively small in both directions. We assess global capital flows in light of China's quid pro quo policy of exchanging market access for transfers of technology capital--accumulated know-how such as research and development (R&D) that can be used in multiple production locations. We first provide empirical evidence of this policy and then incorporate it into a multicountry dynamic general equilibrium model. This extension leads to a significantly better fit of the model to data. We also find large welfare gains for China--and welfare losses for its FDI partners--from quid pro quo.

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas J. Holmes & Ellen R. McGrattan & Edward C. Prescott, 2013. "Quid Pro Quo: Technology Capital Transfers for Market Access in China," NBER Working Papers 19249, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:19249
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • F41 - International Economics - - Macroeconomic Aspects of International Trade and Finance - - - Open Economy Macroeconomics
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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