The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on High Technology Exports: An Investigation with The Mediating Roles of R&D and Patents

Authors : Eda Kayhan, Suzan Oğuz

Pages : 481-498

Doi:10.21180/iibfdkastamonu.1592472

View : 164 | Download : 169

Publication Date : 2025-12-29

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Foreign direct investment (FDI), research and development (R&D) expenditures and the number of patent applications are closely related and critical factors in enhancing countries\\\' technological development and innovation capacities. While FDI supports R&D activities by providing financial resources, these activities pave the way for the emergence of innovative products and technologies. The number of patent applications is an important measure for the commercialization and protection of these innovations. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of FDI on exports of high-tech products through the mediating roles of R&D expenditures and the number of patent applications by using the data of 44 developed and developing countries for the period 2010-2023. In this context, a model proposal is presented and path analysis is performed with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to examine the direct and indirect effects between variables. The results of the analysis show that FDI has a positive and significant direct effect on high-tech exports. In addition, indirect effect findings reveal that R&D expenditures and the number of patent applications mediate the relationship between FDI and high-tech exports.
Keywords : Doğrudan Yabancı Yatırım, Ar-Ge, Patent, Yüksek Teknolojili Ürün İhracatı, Yapısal Eşitlik Modellemesi

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