FDI has proved to be the most dynamic defensive and offensive response to globalization. This book provides an in-depth evaluation of the rationale as well as theoretical and empirical explanations of the outward internationalization of firms from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. The authors present the first broader empirical evidence on transition economies' OFDI and internationalization, evaluate the role of transnational companies from transition economies and development implications of outward internationalization for home economies. They put the experience of firms from transition economies into the framework of existing theories, study to what extent are the experiences of Austria, Portugal and Finland applicable to transition economies, illustrate general macro economic trends of the international business practices of firms from transition economies by case studies, examine the main determinants and barriers to the outward internationalization process, offer a representative set of cases and best business/government practices relevant for other transition economies, identify specificity in internationalization by firms from transition economies due to transition processes and systemic background and apply network theory as a complementary explanation for such internationalization due to former historical ties and cultural vicinities. A pioneering work on outward investment by transition economies, this book is the first in the world to present a more systematic analysis of the internationalization of firms from transition economies, based on results of the two ACE projects: "Outward internationalization facilitating transformation and EU Accession; The case of Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia" and "Networking Through OFDI" including also Poland and Estonia.

FDI has proved to be the most dynamic defensive and offensive response to globalization. This book provides an in-depth evaluation of the rationale as well as theoretical and empirical explanations of the outward internationalization of firms from the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. The authors present the first broader empirical evidence on transition economies' OFDI and internationalization, evaluate the role of transnational companies from transition economies and development implications of outward internationalization for home economies. They put the experience of firms from transition economies into the framework of existing theories, study to what extent are the experiences of Austria, Portugal and Finland applicable to transition economies, illustrate general macro economic trends of the international business practices of firms from transition economies by case studies, examine the main determinants and barriers to the outward internationalization process, offer a representative set of cases and best business/government practices relevant for other transition economies, identify specificity in internationalization by firms from transition economies due to transition processes and systemic background and apply network theory as a complementary explanation for such internationalization due to former historical ties and cultural vicinities. A pioneering work on outward investment by transition economies, this book is the first in the world to present a more systematic analysis of the internationalization of firms from transition economies, based on results of the two ACE projects: "Outward internationalization facilitating transformation and EU Accession; The case of Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovenia" and "Networking Through OFDI" including also Poland and Estonia.

'Written in a clear and straightforward style, and well grounded in succinct and pertinent analysis...It will prove a boon to students and practitioners alike as moves proceed towards European integration.' - British Book News This volume identifies and analyses the extent to which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are likely to attract inward foreign direct investment (FDI) to the turn of the century. Although these countries have been growing recipients of FDI, Western multinationals remain cautious and are slow to commit large investment sums. The book covers the contextual and thematic aspects of FDI as well as empirical country studies (including the Commonwealth of Independent States, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) which address the legal environment for FDI, its magnitude and motives and industrial breakdown. The final section discusses the potential for closer economic and political integration in Europe.

'Written in a clear and straightforward style, and well grounded in succinct and pertinent analysis...It will prove a boon to students and practitioners alike as moves proceed towards European integration.' - British Book News;This volume identifies and analyses the extent to which the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are likely to attract inward foreign direct investment (FDI) to the turn of the century. Although these countries have been growing recipients of FDI, Western multinationals remain cautious and are slow to commit large investment sums. The book covers the contextual and thematic aspects of FDI as well as empirical country studies (including the Commonwealth of Independent States, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia) which address the legal environment for FDI, its magnitude and motives and industrial breakdown. The final section discusses the potential for closer economic and political integration in Europe.

This research examines the opportunities and constraints facing Yugoslav multinationals abroad, and considers in turn the historical, economic and political variables behind the growth of Yugoslav foreign investment. It also examines the motives, ownership structure and levels of success.