Clusters As a Driving Engine for FDI

Author/Editor:

Etienne B Yehoue

Publication Date:

October 1, 2005

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

This paper develops a model that highlights the importance of clusters for attracting foreign direct investment. It shows from a game theoretical perspective how the combination of setting up a cluster and implementing policy reforms will be a key engine for attracting FDI. Based on agglomeration externalities, the paper shows that the very emergence of clusters can make investment so profitable that investors can even afford to tolerate more policyinduced distortions than otherwise. With perfect information, it shows the existence of multiple equilibria, in which some countries attract FDI while other do not. An extension to the context of imperfect information refines the analysis to a unique equilibrium, in which some investors respond to reforms. The paper presents case studies to support the findings.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2005/193

Subject:

Balance of payments Foreign direct investment Tax incentives

English

Publication Date:

October 1, 2005

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451862126/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2005193

Pages:

29

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