Research Publications

FDIstats conducts and publishes applied research on the economics and policy of foreign direct investment and investment promotion.

Our research contributes to academic literature while addressing practical policy questions.

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Publication Types

Working Papers

Preliminary research findings for discussion and comment. Working papers present original research on investment promotion effectiveness, policy analysis, and evaluation methodology.

Working papers will be listed here as research is produced and undergoes peer review.

Policy Briefs

Accessible summaries of research findings with clear policy implications. Policy briefs translate academic research into actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

Policy briefs will be listed here as they are produced.

Technical Notes

Documentation of methodological approaches and analytical frameworks. Technical notes provide detailed guidance on research methods, data analysis techniques, and evaluation design.

Technical notes will be listed here as they are developed.

Research in Progress

Current research projects under development:

Methodological Challenges in Investment Promotion Program Evaluation

In Progress

Examining identification strategies, counterfactual construction, and data requirements for rigorous evaluation of investment promotion interventions. Addresses challenges in attribution, selection bias, and measurement of outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of Investment Screening Mechanisms

In Progress

Cross-country review of foreign investment screening policies, institutional arrangements, and economic rationales. Analyzes sectoral coverage, approval processes, and decision-making frameworks.

Economic Impact Assessment Methods: A Critical Review

In Progress

Evaluation of alternative methodologies for assessing the economic contribution of foreign direct investment. Reviews CGE modelling, input-output analysis, and econometric approaches, with discussion of strengths, limitations, and appropriate applications.

Research will be published as completed and peer-reviewed. Publication timelines depend on research complexity and review processes.

Research Areas

Our research addresses key questions in investment promotion economics across four main areas:

FDI Economics

Research on the fundamental economics of foreign direct investment flows and their effects.

  • Determinants of foreign direct investment flows
  • Location decisions and investment climate factors
  • Spillovers and linkages from foreign investment

Investment Policy

Analysis of investment policy frameworks, regulatory environments, and policy instruments.

  • Policy frameworks and regulatory environments
  • Investment incentives: design and effectiveness
  • Investment facilitation and screening mechanisms

Investment Promotion

Research on the organisation, activities, and effectiveness of investment promotion agencies.

  • IPA organisation and institutional models
  • Program effectiveness and evaluation methods
  • Performance measurement and benchmarking

Evaluation Methods

Methodological research on program evaluation and impact assessment in economic development contexts.

  • Program evaluation in economic development
  • Econometric methods for policy analysis
  • Impact assessment methodologies