International connectivity and the location of multinational enterprises' knowledge‐intensive activities: Evidence from US metropolitan areas
研究了国际连通性的不同维度（知识网络、基础设施、生产者服务）如何影响跨国公司在美国大都市区布局研发实验室和总部等知识密集型活动，发现研发活动更倾向于发明者网络密集的地区，而总部则更看重人员流动和高级生产者服务的连通性。
Abstract Research summary International connectivity is a multidimensional construct that plays a pivotal role in attracting the activities of multinational enterprises (MNEs) by facilitating intra‐firm coordination and access to external resources. We conceptualize how the different dimensions of international connectivity determine the location of MNEs' knowledge‐intensive activities, with a focus on Research and Development (R&D) laboratories and Headquarter units (HQ). By analyzing 3,101 greenfield investments of MNEs in US Metropolitan Statistical Areas, we show that R&D activities are attracted toward areas connected to the rest of the world by international networks of inventors. Moreover, we find that infrastructures which ensure the mobility of people across borders, and greater connectivity through advanced producer services are key location factors for HQ activities. Managerial summary The choice of where multinational enterprises (MNEs) locate their knowledge‐intensive activities is a crucial decision for managers, with important implications for policymakers. It has become increasingly clear that MNEs value the extent to which individual locations are connected globally. We study this international connectivity and highlight that it is a multidimensional construct spanning knowledge, infrastructure, and producer service networks. This study shows that not every dimension of international connectivity is equally important for MNEs in locating different knowledge‐intensive activities. Research and Development laboratories are attracted toward areas connected worldwide by international networks of inventors. Moreover, headquarter units are more likely to be established in locations featuring greater connectivity through the mobility of people and advanced producer services.