Outsourcing Versus FDI in Industry Equilibrium

16 Pages Posted: 7 Nov 2002 Last revised: 1 Dec 2022

See all articles by Elhanan Helpman

Elhanan Helpman

Harvard University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR)

Gene M. Grossman

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; Princeton University - Department of Economics; CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute); Centre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR); National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Date Written: November 2002

Abstract

We study the determinants of the extent of outsourcing and of direct foreign investment in an industry in which producers need specialized components. Potential suppliers must make a relationship-specific investment in order to serve each prospective customer. Such investments are governed by imperfect contracts. A final-good producer can manufacture components for itself, but the per-unit cost is higher than for specialized suppliers. We consider how the size of the cost differential, the extent of contractual incompleteness, the size of the industry, and the relative wage rate affect the organization of industry production.

Suggested Citation

Helpman, Elhanan and Grossman, Gene M., Outsourcing Versus FDI in Industry Equilibrium (November 2002). NBER Working Paper No. w9300, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=347072

Elhanan Helpman (Contact Author)

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Gene M. Grossman

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