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Motives of large multinationals investing in small transition countries: A literature review

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  • Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter

Abstract

Economic theory suggests that multinationals have clear objectives when investing abroad. It lists a considerable number of factors which may influence the decision but it falls short of explaining them. The paper investigates how the most popular hypotheses presented in the literature perform in the light of recent experiences. It reviews a series of case studies on western multinationals which entered into a joint venture with eastern companies. It comes to the conclusion that investment decisions are governed by a bundle of overlapping motives. The benefits of geographically dispersed but well co-ordinated activities are seen in certain types of spill-overs that can only be generated in networks. These benefits can be best described as economies of scope.

Suggested Citation

  • Schmidt, Klaus-Dieter, 1995. "Motives of large multinationals investing in small transition countries: A literature review," Kiel Working Papers 668, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ifwkwp:668
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    1. Éltető, Andrea & Sass, Magdolna, 1997. "A külföldi befektetők döntéseit és a vállalati működést befolyásoló tényezők Magyarországon az exporttevékenység tükrében [Factors influencing foreign investors’ decisions and enterprise operation ," Közgazdasági Szemle (Economic Review - monthly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Közgazdasági Szemle Alapítvány (Economic Review Foundation), vol. 0(6), pages 531-546.
    2. Dicke, Hugo & Foders, Federico, 2000. "Wirtschaftliche Auswirkungen einer EU-Erweiterung auf die Mitgliedstaaten," Open Access Publications from Kiel Institute for the World Economy 2510, Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel).

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