Are family firms good neighbours? A spatial analysis of Italian technology-intensive firms

PurposeA burgeoning body of evidence points out the importance of spatial proximity in influencing firm efficiency besides internal characteristics. Nevertheless, the family status of the firm has been traditionally overlooked in that debate. Therefore, this study aims to investigate productivity spillovers stemming from the geographical closeness to innovators and family firms.Design/methodology/approachUsing secondary data on Italian technology-intensive manufacturing firms, the paper exploits spatial econometric models to estimate productivity spillovers across firms.FindingsAs regards the presence of spatial dependence, this study reveals that a firm's level of efficiency and productivity is influenced by that of nearby firms. Specifically, three main results emerge. First, spatial proximity to innovators is beneficial for the productivity of neighbouring firms. Second, closeness to family firms is a source of negative externalities for spatially proximate firms. However, and this is the third result, the adverse effect vanishes when the nearby family firms are also innovators.Research limitations/implicationsAs the study relies on cross-sectional data, future research should explore productivity spillovers in a longitudinal setting. Additionally, the channels through which productivity spillovers occur should be measured.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of co-location for public policy initiatives to strengthen the competitiveness of firms and, indirectly, that of localities and regions. Moreover, the findings show the crucial role of innovation in mitigating the productivity gap between family and non-family firms.Social implicationsNotwithstanding the advent of the digital era, spatial proximity and localized social relationships are still a relevant factor affecting firms' performance.Originality/valueBy exploring the role of family firms in influencing the advantages of geographical proximity, this study contributes to the growing efforts to explore family enterprises across spatial settings.

On the Estimation of Cross-Firm Productivity Spillovers with an Application to FDI

We develop a novel methodology for the proxy variable identification of firm productivity in the presence of productivity-modifying learning and spillovers which facilitates a unified "internally consistent" analysis of the spillover effects between firms. Contrary to the popular two-step empirical approach, ours does not postulate contradictory assumptions about firmproductivity across the estimation steps. Instead, we explicitly accommodate crosssectional dependence in productivity induced by spillovers which facilitates identification of both the productivity and spillover effects therein simultaneously. We apply our model to study cross-firm spillovers in China's electric machinery manufacturing, with a particular focus on productivity effects of inbound FDI.

Determinants of Absorptive Capacity: a systematic literature review

Purpose – To conduct a literature review on the determinants of Absorptive Capacity (AC), which allows for productivity spillovers from Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in developed and developing countries. Theoretical framework – This study is based on the literature indicating that before benefiting from spillovers, companies need a certain level of knowledge and expertise. Design/methodology/approach – A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of empirical studies on AC and productivity spillovers is presented. A total of 60 articles were reviewed. Findings – The SLR revealed that human capital and R&D investments are the most frequently cited determinants of AC. R&D is especially important for developing countries. Research, Practical & Social implications – Public policies targeting R&D development may be a valuable strategy to facilitate productivity spillovers in developing countries. Originality/value – This paper analyzes the determinants of AC while verifying how both developed and developing countries can benefit from FDI, which is of great importance considering the growth of FDI in developing countries. Keywords - Foreign Direct Investment. Productivity. Spillover.

IPR Law Protection and Enforcement and the Effect on Horizontal Productivity Spillovers from Inward FDI to Domestic Firms: A Meta-analysis

We study the role of the strength of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) law protection and enforcement in influencing horizontal productivity spillovers from inward FDI to domestic firms in host countries. While most WTO countries adopted strong IPR legislation due to exogenous pressure resulting from the signing of the Trade-Related Aspects of IPR (TRIPS) agreement, public IPR enforcement strength continues to vary significantly between countries. We meta-analyse 49 studies and find that public IPR enforcement strength has a direct positive effect on horizontal productivity spillovers from inward FDI to domestic firms and a negative moderating effect on the relationship between IPR law protection strength and horizontal productivity spillovers from inward FDI to domestic firms.