The impact of globalization on direct foreign investments

Globalizacija je neizostavan pojam današnjice koji dovodi do jačanja povezanosti nacionalnih gospodarstava te regija i gradova unutar njih. Važno je naglasiti da globalizacija ima za cilj stvaranje globalnog tržišta i globalnih proizvoda. Zahvaljujući njoj ljudi započinju globalno razmišljati i gledati na svijet. S druge strane, globalizacija ima i svoju lošu stranu kao što su dominacija multinacionalnih kompanija, povećanje razlika između bogatih i siromašnih, otežana zaštita nacionalnih interesa i brojni drugi. U ovom diplomskom radu se želi približiti važnost pojma globalizacije te njezin utjecaj na promjenu percepcije pojedinih zemalja o izravnim stranim ulaganjima (FDI). Doprinos inozemnih ulaganja na nacionalno gospodarstvo je višestruk, od povećanja međunarodne konkurentnosti i učinaka poslovanja, pa sve do proširenja tržišta i jačanja efikasnosti gospodarstva. Danas, većina zemalja gleda na izravna inozemna ulaganja kao najvažniju kariku potrebnu za rast i razvoj pojedine zemlje. Cilj je ukazati na značaj motiva koji su zaslužni za strane investicije, ovisno o tome da li se radi o zemlji primatelja ili zemlji davatelja stranih investicija. Izravna strana ulaganja možemo razgraničiti na greenfield ulaganja koja donose najveću korist za zemlju primatelja stvarajući dodanu vrijednost, brownfield ulaganja te spajanje i preuzimanje. Za privlačenje investicija na razini Republike Hrvatske glavnu zadaću ima vladina Agencija za investicije i konkurentnost.Globalization is infallible current concept which leads to stronger bonds within national economies, regions and respective towns. It is important to point out that the main aim of globalization is creation of global market and global products. Owing to a globalization process, people start to think and observe the World globally. On the other hand, globalization has its weak sides; domination of multinational companies, increase of a distinction level between the rich and the poor, hampered protection of national interests and many other. The thesis aims to bring closer the importance of globalization concept and its impact on the alteration of perception of some countries on direct foreign investments. Contribution of foreign investments to national economies is multiple, from the increase of international competition and business efficiency to market extension and boost of economy strength. Today, majority of countries regard direct foreign investments as the most important process necessary for the growth and development of a particular country. The main aim is to indicate the importance of a motive which accounts for foreign investments, whichever is the question o fan investments recipient or a provider. Direct foreign investments can be divided in greenfield investments, which bring to major benefits to a recipient country creating added values, brownfied investments and mergers and takeovers. The Government Agency for Investments and Competition is in charge of attracting investments on the territory of the Republic of Croatia