This book offers an in-depth analysis of the roles and strategies of subsidiaries of American multinational companies (MNCs) in Taiwan's IT industry. Based on semi-structured interviews with 16 managing directors of the different foreign-owned subsidiaries and 100 functional unit managers, the authors investigate (1) the roles of functional units in evaluating strategy formulation and change in foreign subsidiaries; (2) the factors that determine strategy formulation and change in foreign subsidiaries and their functional units; and (3) the linkages between cross-functional units. The research underscores the view that MNCs' strategies are composed of assorted heterogeneous elements.

The papers in this volume cover three major areas of International Business: Developments in Theory, The Foreign Market Servicing Strategies of Multinational Firms and Asia-Pacific Issues. The theory section examines the internationalisation process, the role of management in international business theory, approaches to Japanese foreign direct investment and the contrast between the approach taken to international business by internalisation theorists and that of international strategic management. The choices between exporting, foreign licensing of technology and direct investment abroad are examined in Part II. The foreign market servicing decisions are examined both at the level of the firm and in aggregate at the level of an economy (the UK). The impact of these decisions on competitiveness is evaluated and the role of international joint ventures is examined for the case of the UK. The final section examines current issues in the Asia-Pacific economies. The impact of the Single European Market on Pacific Futures and Government-Business relations (Japan versus UK) are the focus of attention and the taxation implications of joint ventures in China are examined in detail.

To provide an understanding of financial globalization from a historical point of view, this book sheds light on international banking in Asia before World War II. International banking facilitated the relationship between Asian economic development and international financial centres. Focusing on the origins of a wide variety of banks not just from Europe but beyond Europe, such as the United States and Asia, particularly Japan and China, this book comprehensively explores competition and collaboration among international banks in Asia. It clarifies international banking's role of integrating the global market and the impact on both ends of the global economy-the international financial centres in the developed world and the developing economies in Asia. Economic development in Asia from the late nineteenth century to the 1930s as a part of the globalizing economy mirrors Asia's current role as the global economic-growth powerhouse. This book focuses on the two key similarities between Asia's past and present: intra-Asian relationships and the relationship between Asia and developed economies, namely, Europe, the United States, and Japan. Getting into the heart of the relationships, i.e., finance, this book presents a sophisticated and realistic image of the tangled network of international economic relations, distinguished from the conventional image of a one-sided advantage or disadvantage among involved nations.

This book contributes fresh theoretical and empirical evidence on patterns of regional production structures, specialization, regional disparities, convergence and divergence processes and evaluation of cohesion policies in both current and future European Union (EU) member states in the context of increased integration. These subjects are addressed in both individual and cross-country analyses using innovative methodologies. The book is an essential reading for a large audience including researchers and policy makers working in the fields of economic integration, transition economics and regional development. The thirteen contributions brought together in this book are the result of recent research undertaken in the framework of a larger project initiated and coordinated by the Center for European Integration Studies (ZEI) of the University of Bonn on determinants of regional specialization, growth and convergence in the context of European integration. A number of these papers were presented to a conference on "European integration, regional convergence, location of industrial activity and labour market adjustment" initiated by the Center for European Integration Studies of the University of Bonn and organized jointly with the Center for European Studies of the University "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" of Iasi, Romania. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from the European Commission Framework Programme and the Center for European Integration Studies of the University of Bonn.

Economic sanctions have been an increasingly conspicuous feature of world politics since the end of World War 1, owing largely to the decreasing legitimacy of the use of force and the world's growing economic interdependence. Nevertheless, there still exists scepticism regarding their efficacy.;The study is a pioneering effort and investigates the role of economic sanctions in the international community today and their effectiveness and limitations, analyzing more than 30 of the most significant cases since 1918, but focusing primarily on the 1980-81 Iranian Hostages sanctions.

Focusing upon the rich interplay between ongoing institutional and technological changes, the dynamics of national industrial systems and the modifications in policy instruments of the new economic framework of the common market and the single currency, European Economies in Transition addresses key issues for growth and convergence. A set of methodologies highlighting the structural aspects and discontinuities in such dynamics reveals new features of transition processes experienced by some of the most advanced Western economies.

The technological revolution linked to high speed rail (HSR) has been accompanied by myths and claims about its contribution to society and the economy. Although HSR is unquestionably a technological advance that has become a symbol of modernity, this review and analysis of the international experiences shows that the conditions necessary to have a positive impact, economically, socially and environmentally, are enormously restrictive. The Economics and Politics of High Speed Rail: Lessons from Experiences Abroad, by Daniel Albalate and Germa Bel, introduces the main questions policy makers and scholars should examine when considering and studying HSR implementation, with particular emphasis on the US's recent interest in this technology and possible application in California. Albalate and Bel then review the experiences of the most significant implementations of HSR around the globe. This in-depth international perspective includes chapters on the pioneers of HSR (Japan and France), the European followers (Germany, Spain and Italy), as well as Asian experiences in China, Taiwan, and Korea. Albalate and Bel's study provides a clear distinction between the myths and realities associated with this transportation innovation. Among the most relevant findings, this study highlights how HSR projects that do not satisfy highly restrictive conditions-on mobility patterns, measured costs, and economically rational designs-that make it desirable have been the source of huge financial debacles and the economic failure of HSR in most cases, which result in unfortunate consequences for taxpayers. The Economics and Politics of High Speed Rail is a rigorous investigation of the economic and political challenges and ramifications of implementing new public transportation technology.

One of the main explanations for the general resurgence of growth and for increasing differentials among industrial countries attributes a crucial role to IT investment, innovation produced in IT sectors and to technology diffusion from the innovative sectors to the rest of the economy. This volume studies the various aspects of the ICT revolution, with an analysis of firm-level determinants of productive efficiency and growth and the effects of internationalization and the completion of the European market.

What major long-term factors will shape the European Community post-1992? Who are the central actors, how will they exert influence on Europe's future, and what are their expectations and intentions?In seeking to answer these questions, The European Challenges Post-1992 offers a multidisciplinary, qualitative approach, throwing new light on the aspirations and preoccupations aroused by the promise of the Community. Centring on socio-political and cultural concerns and their interplay with economic phenomena, this important book combines expert opinion from 12 large European research institutes - each of which provides an analysis of the major factors shaping the future of their own country - with the views of leading industrialists and business leaders. The editors bring together these different views and interpretations to offer a comprehensive assessment of the Community's future. The European Challenge Post-1992 includes contributions by the former Commissaire du Plan (Brussels), the Institute of International Economics and Management (Copenhagen), Commissariat General du Plan (Paris), Kiel Institute of World Economics (Kiel), Foundation of Economic and Industrial Research (Athens), Economic and Social Research Institute (Dublin), Centro Studi Investimenti Sociali (Rome), Institut Universitaire International (Luxembourg), Scientific Council for Government Policy (The Hague), Instituto de Prospectiva (Lisbon), Fundacion Empresa Publica (Madrid), McKinsey & Co. and the Policy Studies Institute (London). The product of a major research project, this distinguished book is an invaluable reference point for all those concerned with the future of the European Community.

This book, first published in 1967, presents a concise picture of the demand and supply trends of timber around the world. Zivnuska provides a keen analysis of plans, prospects, and opportunities in the areas covered, and an interesting look at the North American forest economy. This book will be of interest to students of environmental studies and forestry.

Today's international development financing system is not much of a system. It is rather a collection of disjointed entities that lack coherence, often work at cross purposes and are not up to the task of mobilising enough finance to assist developing countries in their efforts to reduce poverty and improve living standards. This book brings together the vast array of new initiatives in financing mechanisms as well as recent attempts to transform the development finance architecture. Based on four different senarios for the next ten-year period, proposals are made for how to reach an effective system. It is argued that the early years of the 21st century have brought about an unprecedented window of opportunity for reforms. But in order to use this opportunity leadership and strategic action is needed.

Understanding the New Global Economy: A European Perspective argues that globalisation is facing economic and political headwinds. A new global economic geography is emerging, cross-border relationships are changing, and global governance structures must come to terms with a new multipolar world. This book clarifies the fundamental questions and trade-offs in this new global economy, and gives readers the tools to understand contemporary debates. It presents a range of possible policy options, without being prescriptive. Following a modular structure, each chapter takes a similar approach but can also be read as a stand-alone piece. State-of-the-art academic research and historical experiences are weaved throughout the book, and readers are pointed towards relevant sources of information . This text is an accessible guide to the contemporary world economy, suited to students of international economics, political economy, globalisation, and European studies. It will also be valuable reading for researchers, professionals, and general readers interested in economics, politics, and civil society.

This book, with an overview introduction by Kenneth J.Arrow, is the first volume of the proceedings of the World Economic Congress held in Athens, Greece, in August/September 1989 under the auspices of the International Economic Association. It contains in Part 1 lectures from the plenary session by distinguished world economists. Part 2 contains surveys and reflections on various aspects of markets in equilibrium. Part 3 is concerned with normative criteria for economic policy within the framework of welfare and social choice theory.

Development assistance, long seen as a giveaway to developing countries, is, according to Berrios' assessment, actually a giveaway to large for-profit U.S. contractors. Berrios shows that a small but influential number of contractors continue to be awarded most of the contracts, both in value and number, despite their average or substandard performance.

Berrios documents the commercial considerations that drive U.S. development assistance. The increasing delivery of development aid in the form of contracts has led contractors to increase their weight and influence on USAID's programs. As Berrios contends, the reasons for giving aid often have little to do with helping other countries, because, instead, it ends up mainly helping U.S. firms.

Little is known about contracting for development. The contracting process is often neither open nor competitive. Despite the talk of restructuring, USAID continues to award contracts that are unfavorable to the agency. Berrios documents the practices of private sector contracting, how they compete for USAID contracts, how they fit into the stated aims and needs of the agency, and what their performance evaluations say upon completion of contracts. Berrios also provides a sweeping review of U.S. development assistance policies, the trend toward privatization, the rhetoric about reinventing government, and the issue of past performance. A controversial assessment, this will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and policy makers involved with U.S. developmental strategies.

The financial crisis that hit a number of economies of Asia in 1997 shocked the world. Financial Liberalization and the Asian Crisis rejects conventional explanations of the crisis as the outcome primarily of inefficient and corrupt economic systems in the countries concerned. It argues that the crisis was the result of premature and overly rapid financial liberalization in a world of increasing liquidity and volatility, and calls for a more cautious approach to financial liberalization, and reform of the international financial architecture.

This book explores the drivers of technological upgrading and catch-up in the emerging economies, paying specific attention to technology and innovation policies, national innovation systems, the role of foreign direct investment and small and medium enterprises. It provides practical implications for other developing countries

In the last decade, regionalism appears to have emerged as a major new force in the world. This book puts it in its historical context. Regions have emerged before; few are old because they either evolve into federal systems or break up. The current regions are less dominant than their critics fear, but imply more integration than a simple view that they are about liberalizing trade. All go beyond trade to other linkages, and all enduring ones have political as well as economic agendas.

At no period since the creation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organisation (WTO) has it been a more opportune time to examine the work, reform and future of the international monetary and trading systems. In this comprehensive examination, the authors provide original, independent assessments of these institutions from both an American and European perspective and offer proposals for reform and improvement. The seemingly endless problems encountered by the IMF, WTO and World Bank provide major reasons for seeking reform. However, an additional impetus is the changing balance of economic power in the world. The volume begins with an overview of the Bretton Woods and international trading systems. Following this are discrete, in-depth discussions of the three institutions from American and European points of view. The authors emphasise the need for making the IMF and World Bank more regional in structure and, like the European Bank, more frugal in the lifestyles of their officials. Similarly, they call for a narrower focus in the mission of the World Bank and the IMF. In the case of the WTO, they call for a democratic reform of the organisation comprising participation by experts and, above all, better representation and support for Third World countries. Scholars and students of political economy, as well as those interested in the history and reform of international institutions, will find this an enlightening and necessary addition to their library.

As globalization continues to rapidly evolve, economic borders between countries have practically disappeared. One effect is that nowadays companies can access new markets by investing in other countries. This offers an important advantage especially for international and large-scale companies. However, one result is the increased market competition. Small-scale local firms and SMEs have to compete with international firms and corporations that have significantly more resources. This competitive environment jeopardizes the sustainability of the smaller companies, which often are driven out of business by the more powerful global players. This book discusses financial strategies for small and middle size companies to increase their competitiveness in the global markets.

Latin America's recent development performance calls for a multidisciplinary analytical tool kit. This handbook accordingly adopts a political-economy perspective to understand Latin American economies. This perspective is not new to the region; indeed, this volume consciously follows the approach pioneered by political economist Albert O. Hirschman a half century ago. But the nature of the political and economic processes at work in Latin America has changed dramatically since Hirschman's critical contribution. Military dictatorships have given way to an uneven democratic consolidation; agricultural or primary-product producers have transformed into middle-income, diversified economies, some of which are leading examples of emerging markets. So, too, the tools of political-economy have developed by leaps and bounds. It is therefore worthwhile to take stock of, and considerably extend, the explosion of recent scholarship on the two-way interaction between political processes and economic performance.
A unique feature of the book is that it begins with a group of chapters written by high-level academic experts on Latin American economics and policies who also happen to be current or past economic policy makers in the region, including Fernando Henrique Cardoso (former president of Brazil), Andres Velasco (former Chilean finance minister), Luis Carranza (former Peruvian finance minister), Martin Redrado (former governor of the Argentina central bank) and Luciano Coutinho (president of Brazil's national development bank). These contributors draw upon their academic expertise to understand their experience in the trenches of policy making."

"Territorial cohesion" strives for a more balanced spatial development and seeks to improve integration throughout the EU. The scientific articles in this volume examine the interpretations of this term, the challenges of European spatial development policy, and the problems and concepts involved in achieving territorial cohesion. Two short reports illustrate the implementation of territorial cohesion on the basis of two research projects.

The processes of globalisation and increased economic regionalism have had profound, often destabilising, effects on modern economic and financial systems. In recognition of this fact, the editors of this fine book have collected together a diverse range of heterodox ideas surrounding the complex relationships and interactions between globalisation, regionalism and economic activity.The book promotes real-world economic issues and explores them without adopting any particular methodological, ideological or theoretical agenda. A number of influential economists explore the inter-relationships between globalisation, regionalism, finance, economic growth and development from a global perspective. Amongst other topics, the book includes comprehensive discussions on fixed versus flexible exchange rates; international liquidity; the WTO dispute settlement system; the eastward expansion of the European Union; crowding-out in export led growth; demand and supply in the New Economy; the national origin of financial liberalisation in the US; and the relationship between savings and investment. The range and depth of analysis makes this book a timely and useful contribution to current policy debates. Academics, students and scholars with an interest in globalisation, international economics and macroeconomics will do well to read this eclectic and stimulating volume.

Independently commissioned by IAI, the three studies comprising this book examine inter-Arab industrial and economic cooperation. The first chapter analyses the industrial strategies, economic policies and attempts at harmonisation and cooperation of the Arab countries, providing a detailed picture of the convergences and divergences, the potential and the difficulties faced by the region. The second chapter examines the importance of coordinating economic polices if economic integration is to be sustained, and considers the implications to the world economy. Lastly, the third chapter examines Arab labour flows, a key factor in the development of the Arab countries. First published in 1979.