East-West Center Research Program Seminar

While the literature has explored the relationship between FDI and productivity, a consensus has yet to be reached regarding FDI's impacts on the productivity of local companies in developing host countries. Motivated by various results in the literature, this presentation tries to specify the conditions under which industries enjoy horizontal, backward or forward technology spillovers. Previous works have begin to consider the possibility that technology spillovers may vary depending on foreign affiliate characteristics. Our analysis extends this research and sheds light on the necessity of distinguishing local establishment characteristics when discussing potential benefits from FDI. The results show that horizontal and backward spillovers can occur simultaneously when hosting FDI. However, in order to enjoy forward spillovers, the host government needs to attract FDI in industries different from the industries that enjoy horizontal and backward spillovers.

Akinori Tomohara received his PhD in Economics from the Johns Hopkins University for his dissertation entitled "Corporate Tax Policy and Intra-firm Trade of Multinational Companies." Prior to graduate study, Dr Tomohara worked for the Japanese Ministry of Finance and National Tax Administration. While serving as a policy planner for the Government of Japan, he developed an expertise in International Business-Government Relations. A broad range of research skills, work experience, and contacts earned Dr Tomohara the distinction of being an economic consultant at the Urban Institute, the World Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank. Further experience includes an Assistant Professorship at the City University of New York of Queens College and Graduate Center and economic research at Columbia University. Dr Tomohara is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

Event Sponsor
East-West Center, Research Program

More Information
Laura Moriyama, 944-7444, moriyaml@eastwestcenter.org