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The Role of Tech and Human Capital in the EPZ life-cycle Omar and Stoever
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Introduction Dynamic engines of growth vs. net drains on govt resources Two dimensions of dynamic development of EPZ Rising technological intensity of local inputs increasing integration of the zones into the host economies See the dynamics through the product life-cycle theory
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Literature review Neg vs Pos views Three diverse views (Madani 1999) (1) Neo-classical school Distortion effects-What kind? -> Critics based on unemployment Cost-benefit analysis -> cost not justified -> less tangible or dynamic benefits are ignored
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(2)New growth Theory Focus on knowledge creation R&D, education system, and entrepreneurship Spillover effects of EPZs (FDI) into host economies, and backward linkage Knowledge embedded in the capital, machines, and labors What kinds of critics?
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(3)life-cycle approach Focus on dynamic nature of EPZs EPZs might evolve over time
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Basile and Germidis (1984)’s life-cycle of EPZ provision of basic infrastructure and facilities, prompting an inflow of FDI exports expand strongly, even while the rate of FDI inflow begins to slow slower growth in exports and the replacement of small marginal businesses disinvestment by foreign enterprises
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Four categories of EPZs 1)Enclaves: extractive industries & simple assembly business 2)Testing grounds for liberalization EPZs in China and Mauritius Signal for more or less liberalization 3)Functions as a part of overall liberalization process EPZ’s role is transitory Masan EPZ in Korea
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4)Failed version of the third EPZs in Africa and some South Asian countries Scheffer et al. (2003) “vested interests and domestic monopoly” Tekere (2000) “generous incentives but modest benefits” What have made successes and failures?
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Towards an integrative life-cycle EPZ theory Dynamism or stasis? Two dimensions (Govt’s role?) Upgrading local inputs supplied to producers in the EPZ in terms of technological sophistication and value-added; and Increasing integration of EPZs into the local economy
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Local training and tech upgrading At initial stage, EPZs Seeking low cost labor Assembly operation with some local sourcing of components (auto industry. Metals fabrication) Maquiladoras in northern Mexico Mactan Zone in the Philiphines Costa Rica’s FTZs Policy questions? How can govt make local sourcing more desirable, cost- effective? How to narrow the technology (skilled personnel) between MNCs and local suppliers How to strengthen “Absorptive capacity of local firms”
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Singaore and Malaysia’s policies? Moran’s stages OEM -> ODM -> OBM Asia’s NIEs have progressed along this path China’s similar path 1980-82 1982-90 Start in early 1990s Private investment in human capital is the key
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Integration of EPZs into the domestic economy Policy questions? How to expand EPZs? When and how domestic firms are allowed to benefit from the same advantages of foreign investors? When and how EPZ products are allowed to be sold in domestic markets? China’s SEZ expansion, Hong Kong and Singapore’s transformation into nation-wide SEZs Other countries still isolated
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EPZ as catalysts for structural transformation
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EPZs are important in lower stage of econ development, but..
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Postulating three scenarios for EPZ progressions
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Scenario (a) The sophistication and technology of the products does not increase Dominican Rep’s EPZs Scenario (b) No upgrading of local suppliers and no integration of EPZs into the host economy Tunisia and Guatemala cases
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Scenario (c) Unsuccessful cases: Kenya, Egypt, Ghana Successful cases: Korea etc. barriers between EPZ and non-EPZ dismantled
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Success Factors again Tech grading and integration into host economy How to achieve this goal? Sectoral policy-education & industrial Policy General policy-economic reform and liberalization policy “window and radiator” function of SEZs
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