Characteristics of the International Joint Ventures in Bulgaria (1989-2003)

Purpose - In response to the need of new knowledge about the international joint venture (IJV), the purpose of this study presents an analysis of the basic characteristics of the IJVs in Bulgaria and the variation of their characteristics depending on the nationality of the foreign partners, coming from three regions: Triad countries (USA, Western Europe and Japan); non-Triad countries; and a mixed region, encompassing combinations of partners from the above two regions. Design/methodology/approach - The advantage of the study is the use of official data from the database, established in cooperation between the author and the National Statistical Institute, on the entire non- homogeneous population of 722 IJVs in the 1989-2003 period. Findings - The generalized results of the study confirm the existence of common trends and trends diverging from those registered in previous studies both on the conventional IJV, set up by foreign and local partners, and on the non-conventional IJV, formed by foreign partners alone. Research limitations/implications - Notwithstanding the generalized results obtained, owing to the coverage of the entire population of IJVs, future studies regarding their characteristics in Bulgaria should have not only structural, but also motivational and outcome variables superimposed. Practical implications - The research can serve for international comparative studies and for the elaboration of national and European Union policies regarding the creation of official databases on the IJVs. Originality/value - With the presentation of new knowledge both on the conventional and on the non-conventional IJVs, the present study extends and supplements the theme regarding the characteristics of the IJVs.Joint Ventures; Strategic Alliances; International Investments; Databases; Economic Changes; Bulgaria