MNEs and industrial structure in host countries: a portfolio analysis of Irish manufacturing

Ireland has been very successful in attracting foreign MNEs in high-technology sectors. Although these sectors exhibit faster growth than the traditional low-technology sectors populated primarily by indigenous firms, the high-technology sectors are also more volatile. We use portfolio theory to show that Ireland's FDI strategy has led to a more diversified manufacturing sector that exhibits higher growth without a commensurate increase in volatility and risk. Journal of International Business Studies (2006) 37, 392–406. doi:10.1057/palgrave.jibs.8400193