6533b7defe1ef96bd1275905

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Trade, innovation and interdependence : a spatial econometric approach

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This thesis studies the consequences for innovation of international trade allowing for spatial interdependence. Indeed, the mechanisms through which international trade affects innovation are based on highlighting factors that, because they are the source of increasing returns, represent real engines of the growth. Yet, the accumulation process of these factors depends on effects which are constraints in space .First, trade flows by which technology is supposed to transmit between countries are interdependent. Second, the results highlighted in existing literature capture only the direct effect of trade on innovation. However, it is possible that a country benefits technology from an another country without any trade between the two countries. It seems convenient to revise the relation between international trade and innovation in the context of spatial interdependence. Based on endogenous growth models, we derive two spatial structural models in order to take into account spatial interdependence. The empirical analysis of spatial models revealed that in addition to traditional variables such as R&D and human capital, externalities contribute strongly to productivity growth and these externalities are especially important for low-income countries. Regarding competition, the effects are mixed. Trade liberalization, by increasing competition, promotes innovation in developped countries. However, it reduces innovation in low-income countries.