Once one of the most prominent economies in the world, Japan is currently suffering from economic stagnancy. To revitalize the economy effectively, the core problems of Japan and…
Abstract
Purpose
Once one of the most prominent economies in the world, Japan is currently suffering from economic stagnancy. To revitalize the economy effectively, the core problems of Japan and its economy need to be first identified. This paper aims to understand accurately what the fundamental reasons are for Japan’s current economic stagnancy.
Design/methodology/approach
The generalized double diamond model, which is an extension of Porter’s original diamond model is used to incorporate internationalization which is very important for Asian countries, notably Japan. Furthermore, its competitiveness is compared with neighboring countries that are in competition in the global market.
Findings
Japan’s current economic problems and its slow recovery are because of a lack of globalization vis-à-vis its counterparts in the region, rather than specific macro-economic factors. Hence, further globalization is crucial toward ensuring a further take-off for the economy.
Practical implications
Macro-economic policies may be important but cannot directly improve a nation’s competitiveness. This paper highlights the importance of globalization and concludes that multinational activities are crucial to enhance a nation’s competitiveness in both domestic and international scope.
Originality/value
This paper adopts the concept of national competitiveness to examine the fundamental economic problems of Japan’s slow recovery and stagnancy more comprehensively. In particular, it compares the competitiveness of Japan with its neighbors which are its economic competitors.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the effects of conventional and unconventional FDI on the host country in a more comprehensive and systematic way.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the effects of conventional and unconventional FDI on the host country in a more comprehensive and systematic way.
Design/methodology/approach
Both the OLI paradigm and the imbalance theory are linked to the diamond model in order to compare the effects of conventional and unconventional FDI on the host country. This methodology is then applied to the real world as a case study, FDI toward the Korean automobile industry.
Findings
Conventional FDI is often said to be more beneficial to the host country than the unconventional type. However, the actual effect of unconventional FDI is shown to be more positive with better management and is often larger than perceived. Therefore, unconventional FDI emerges as important as conventional FDI for sustainable economic development.
Practical implications
In general, unconventional FDI has often been criticized severely because of misperceptions derived from the dominance of conventional FDI on theoretical aspects, incomprehensive perspectives toward assessing the effects of FDI, and negative political views. Therefore, rigorous and holistic case study analyses based on solid analytical tools are needed in order to better understand the effects of unconventional FDI and to draw up effective and proper FDI promotion policies.
Originality/value
This paper provides a way to better understand the effect of unconventional FDI on the host country comprehensively and systematically by expanding and deepening existing theories. Based on this, the effects of conventional and unconventional FDI on the host country are compared theoretically and empirically, particularly with the case of the Korean automobile industry.