Recent empirical evidence documents the superior characteristics of exporters relative to non-exporters. Three explanations for this phenomenon have been proposed: self-selection; learning-by-exporting; and conscious self-selection. We test these three hypotheses using plant-level data from...

This paper examines the link between multinational enterprises and employment growth at the plant-level. We investigate in detail the comparative response of multinationals and domestic firms to an economic crisis, using the empirical setting of a well defined case of economic slowdown in Chile...

There is evidence that small firms are less productive than larger ones. This phenomenon could be explained by several factors. In this paper, using plant survey data and non-parametric deterministic frontier methodology, we explore what factors can explain the observed differences in technical...

This paper explores the additional difficulties that smaller exporters could have faced during the recent financial crisis, specifically regarding their access to the exchange rate derivatives market. Using data of international trade and derivatives transactions between commercial banks and...

Meat quality is currently conditioned to the fulfilment of different requirements concerning food safety and other ethic and social aspects. Nevertheless, restrictions and other considerations going faster than the above mentioned aspects could be applied in order to gain a higher consumer’s...

This paper examines the link between multinational enterprises and plant exit in Chile. We investigate three main questions: are affiliates of foreign multinationals more likely to exit than domestic firms? Does the exit probability of multinationals depend on its export orientation?, and Does...

This paper investigates three main questions: are affiliates of foreign multinationals more likely to exit than domestic firms? Does the exit probability of multinationals depend on its export orientation?, and Does the presence of multinationals affect the survival of other firms in the...

This paper evaluates the impact of two public programs, FONTEC and FONDEF, aimed at fostering innovation in Chilean firms. With the cooperation of several public agencies, participants and non-participants in these programs during the period 1995-2000 were identified from a large panel of firms...

La siguiente nota técnica presenta una revisión del sistema de innovación de Costa Rica con especial énfasis en sus principales fortalezas y debilidades. El objetivo de la misma es contribuir al diálogo de políticas entre el Gobierno de Costa Rica y el Banco Inter- Americano de Desarrollo...

This paper analyzes differences in firm exporter performance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Traditionally, it is argued that these firms face several disadvantages for competing in international markets. Few studies, however, exploit the fact that successful exporters exist...