Linking Innovation Systems, International Integration, and Investment Climate to Firm Productivity in Developing Countries

Mahyar Adibi () and Keun Lee ()

Working Paper Series from Institute of Economic Research, Seoul National University

Abstract: This paper analyzes the importance of investment climate (IC), international integration (II), and innovation system (IS) variables on firm productivity. These variables are measured at the firm, sector, and country levels, and the interaction effects among them are also investigated. Multilevel-mixed effect analysis is conducted using the World Bank Enterprise Survey data for 20 developing countries in 21 sectors. Results indicate that firm-level variables tend to be more robust than sector- or country-level variables, and that more II variables are shown be significant than either IC or IS variables. Specifically, sector-level II variables are significant, whereas sector-level IC variables and sector-level R&D variables are not significant. Sector-level IC and IS variables become significant only when they interact with firm-level variables. The results underscore the importance of firm-level capabilities, which can be enhanced by II (e.g., firm-level learning by exporting and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) arrangement) and IS (e.g., firm-level education and training), as well as by spillover from sector-level II and human capital. Results also reveal the channels through which IC may affect firm productivity. IC exhibits an effect on firm productivity when it interacts with firm-level capabilities and activities.

Keywords: Firm Productivity; Innovation Systems; Investment Climate; International Integration; Multilevel Analysis; Developing Country (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O10 O29 O30 O57 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-eff, nep-int and nep-sbm
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:snu:ioerwp:no151

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