Unveiling the role of different types of local absorptive capacity: The effects of inward FDI spillovers on regional innovation
研究了2003-2014年巴西地区跨国公司投资数据，发现内向FDI的正面溢出效应取决于本地吸收能力，不同类型吸收能力（企业能力与地方机构能力）对区域创新的调节作用不同。
The aim of our paper is to examine the role of different types of local absorptive capacity in moderating the relation between inward FDI spillovers and regional innovation. We use data on the investments of multinational companies (MNCs) in Brazilian regions from 2003 to 2014, linking them to regional innovative performance. Our results reveal that the transfer of technological knowledge from MNCs to local firms cannot be taken for granted since the positive effects of inward FDI spillovers on regional innovation occur when the new knowledge provided by inward FDI can be associated with the existing capabilities of local actors. The different types of absorptive capacity among local actors have diverse effects on their ability to benefit from inward FDI spillovers. Our findings reveal the distinct moderating effects of firm and local institutions capabilities, indicating that firms' absorptive capacity can derive greater benefits from the new knowledge provided by inward FDI. Finally, our study provides new empirical evidence of inward FDI spillovers and sheds new light on regional FDI attraction policies.