After more than fifty years of systematic research on multinational enterprises (MNEs) what is apparent is that there is, as yet, no unified or dominant theory of the MNE. The objective of this book is to bring into focus one particular dimension of MNE behaviour and activity that has been relatively under-researched – namely the geography of the multinational enterprise – as understood through the lens of innovation and technological change. The authors clearly demonstrate that geography is becoming increasingly important for MNEs and, in turn, MNEs are becoming progressively more important for economic geography. The pivot on which this vital relationship turns is the creation, diffusion and management of new knowledge. This unique book will prove a fascinating read for academics, students and researchers across a broad range of areas including geography, economic geography, regional science, international business and management, innovation studies, economic development. Professionals such as corporate managers and policymakers in these fields would also find this book to be of great interest.
Formatted Contents Note
1. Introduction: Multinational Enterprises, Innovation and Geography in Todays’ Globalized World Part I: Multinationals, Location and Innovation: Foundations and Extensions 2. Old and New(er) Theories of Multinational Enterprises: Selected Perspectives and the Search for Location 3. Firm Location Behaviour in Theory: Extensions to Multiplant and Multinational Firms 4. The Sources of Innovation: The Firm and the Local System Part II: Multinationals and the Changing Economic Geography of Globalization 5. Multinationals, Variety of Geographies and Evolution 6. Globalization and Multinationals in a Historical Process 7. Multinationals, Connectivity and Global Cities 8. Multinationals, Emerging Economies and the Changing Economic Geography 9. Conclusions: Review of the Arguments and Implications for Future Research Bibliography Index