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Learning By Exporting: Evidence Based on Data of Knowledge Flows from Innovation Surveys in Estonia

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  • Priit Vahter

Abstract

This paper studies learning-by-exporting, based on survey data of knowledge flow indicators. Most of the earlier related papers investigate the effects of exporting on productivity of firms, and often find little evidence of learning effects. This study looks more in detail into the mechanism of these effects. It investigates whether exporting is associated with increase in intensity of knowledge flows to the firm from the firm???s clients, relative to other knowledge sources. I use measures of learning about the new technologies from two pooled innovation surveys and firm level exporting data of manufacturing firms in Estonia. Unlike the majority of earlier studies that use productivity data, I find evidence consistent with learning-by-exporting. Exporting in the past is associated with more learning from the firm???s clients in next periods.

Suggested Citation

  • Priit Vahter, 2011. "Learning By Exporting: Evidence Based on Data of Knowledge Flows from Innovation Surveys in Estonia," William Davidson Institute Working Papers Series wp1011, William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan.
    • Handle: RePEc:wdi:papers:2011-1011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Georgios Efthyvoulou & Priit Vahter, 2016. "Financial Constraints, Innovation Performance and Sectoral Disaggregation," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 84(2), pages 125-158, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    exporting; learning; knowledge transfer; Central and Eastern Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance

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