• Identify and describe patterns of MNC strategy, government strategy toward MNCs, and development; impacts of MNC activity in emerging markets and developing countries;
• Understand and critically assess the quantitative methods that are employed to analyze MNC strategies and MNC development impacts;
• Describe and discuss theories and approaches that address the complex interface between MNC strategy, host country regulation and development impacts;
• Apply theories and approaches to analyze the interface between MNC strategies, host country regulation and development impacts. Compare and discuss the relevance and applicability of the various theories and approaches.

The aim of this course is to provide the student with a comprehensive theoretical, methodological and empirical understanding of the complex interface between the strategies of multinational corporations (MNCs) and host country development strategy, emphasizing MNC strategies in emerging markets and developing countries. One of the most significant economic developments of recent decades is the economic globalization process as reflected in the rapid growth in international trade and the surge in foreign direct investment (FDI). This process is driven by MNCs. A growing share of MNC trade and investment activities are conducted with non-OECD countries, that is with emerging markets and developing countries. Evidently, MNCs are seeking to exploit the vast but also precarious market and resource potentials of these countries. Simultaneously, emerging markets and developing countries are increasingly embarking on economic development strategies aimed at attracting MNC investment as a means to access technology, capital, organizational and marketing know-how, etc.

The course includes the following main elements:

• Introduction: Mapping trends in MNC activity and foreign direct investment

• Investment strategies: Investment motives and sourcing strategies of MNCs in emerging markets and developing countries;

• Dragon multinationals: The growing importance of MNCs coming from emerging markets;

• Upgrading and spill overs: Development impacts of MNC activity on host countries; Spillover effects and upgrading from collaboration between MNCs and local firms in developing countries; FDI’s role in building and sustaining national competitiveness.

• Investment policy, regulation and standards: Home and host country measures to promote and control activities of MNCs; the role assigned to MNCs in industrial development strategies; Global governance and regulation of MNCs.

Dealing with the above issues, the course will present the major theoretical and analytical contributions to the study of the interface between MNC strategies and host country development. Empirically, the course will draw mainly on examples and cases of Danish and OECD based MNCs’ investments in developing countries and emerging markets. The course will furnish students with tools that allow them to conduct and evaluate quantitative analysis of large data sets. 

Articles and extracts from

• Journal of International Business Studies (JIBS);
• Journal of World Business;
• World Investment Report;
• Strategic Management Journal

Selected publications by e.g.

• John Dunning
• Alan Rugman
• Peter Buckley
• John Caves
• Magnus Blomström
• John Barney
• Johan Forsgren

Complete list will be available on Learn