The role of national innovation systems on FDI: a longitudinal data analysis on Dunning's Investment Development Path

The aim of this dissertation is to examine the role of National Innovation Systems on the international investment patterns of the countries from different levels of development. In doing so, Dunning's Investment Development Path (IDP), a country level application of the Eclectic Paradigm of international production, is used as the basis of the study. The empirical analysis covers 75 countries with thirty years time span from 1985 to 2014. In measurement of National Innovations Systems, explanatory factor analysis method for 15 indicators is used and four factors are identified. The fixed effects longitudinal data analysis is applied to test interaction of these factors with the Net outward investment positions of the countries and how National Innovation System factors affect the location and ownership advantages in different development stages countries are discussed. The findings of the study indicates that regardless of their development level innovation systems are shown to have particular importance to attract inward direct investment and institutions and policy are key to generate outward FDI for the developed countries.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Emine Beyza Satogl