Quid Pro Quo, Knowledge Spillover and Industrial Upgrading

Jie Bai, Panle Barwick (), Shengmao Cao and Shanjun Li
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Jie Bai: Center for International Development at Harvard University

No 368, CID Working Papers from Center for International Development at Harvard University

Abstract: Are quid pro quo (technology for market access) policies effective in facilitating knowledge spillover to developing countries? We study this question in the context of the Chinese automobile industry where foreign firms are required to set up joint ventures with domestic firms in return for market access. Using a unique dataset of detailed quality measures along multiple dimensions of vehicle performance, we document empirical patterns consistent with knowledge spillovers through both ownership affiliation and geographical proximity: joint ventures and Chinese domestic firms with ownership or location linkage tend to specialize in similar quality dimensions. The identification primarily relies on within-product variation across quality dimensions and the results are robust to a variety of specifications. The pattern is not driven by endogenous joint-venture network formation, overlapping customer base, or learning by doing considerations. Leveraging additional micro datasets on part suppliers and worker flow, we document that supplier network and labor mobility are important channels in mediating knowledge spillovers. However, these channels are not tied to ownership affiliations. Finally, we calibrate a simple learning model and conduct policy counterfactuals to examine the role of quid pro quo. Our findings show that ownership affiliation facilitates learning but quality improvement is primarily driven by the other mechanisms.

Keywords: Knowledge; spillover (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-11
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse, nep-geo, nep-ino, nep-lab, nep-net and nep-tra
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cid:wpfacu:368

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