This book refocuses thinking on how multinational enterprises (MNEs) can achieve a sustained contribution to European transition economies as these countries move from the processes of transformation into pursuit of more sustained development. The authors apply key aspects of recent work on the strategic aims and nature of the contemporary MNE to the transition economy context, and find that the generation and application of technology has particular relevance to the success of MNEs in Central and Eastern Europe. The book is based on the results of two new wide-ranging surveys and includes a thorough review of current literature.

Table of Contents:
List of Tables List of Abbreviations PART 1: MULTINATIONAL STRATEGY AND INDUSTIRAL TRANSFORMATION From Foreign Direct Investment to Multinational Strategy Strategic Motivations of MNEs Industrial Transition: From Restructuring to Sustained Development Needs of Industrial Transition Creative Transition MNE Strategies and the Phases of Transition The Surveys Aims and Structure PART 2: TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC MOTIVATIONS FOR INVESTMENT IN TRANSITION ECONOMIES Introduction MNEs Motivations for CEE Investments Sources of Technology Applied in MNEs' CEE Operations Results Conclusions PART 3: REASONS FOR INVESTING IN CEE, TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGIC EVOLUTION OF SUBSIDIARIES Introduction Reasons for Investing Results Conclusions PART 4: MARKET ORIENTATION AND THE STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF MNES IN CEE Introduction Markets Supplied Conclusions PART 5: STRATEGIES OF MNES' SUBSIDIARIES IN ROMANIA Introduction Classification of Subsidiaries Reasons for Investing in Romania Strategic Roles of Subsidiaries in Romania Markets Supplied by Subsidiaries Types of Products Produced Sources of Technology used by Subsidiaries Conclusions Appendix: Process of Classification of Subsidiaries PART 6: MNES' R&D AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSITION IN CEE Introduction Knowledge Capabilities in Transition Economies: A Resources and a Constraint Incomplete and Distorted National Innovation Systems in Transition Economies A Brief Assessment of the NSIs of CEE The MNE as a Technology Catalyst in Transition Economies R&D Strategy of MNEs and NSI Transition Economies MNEs' R&D in CEE MNEs' R&D in Romania Conclusions PART 7: INPUT SUPPLY LINKAGES OF MNE SUBSIDIARIES IN CEE: DEPENDENCE OR DEVELOPMENT? Introduction Foreign-owned Firms, Local Input Linkages and Economic Development: The Debate Sources of Inputs Used by MNE Subsidiaries in CEE Subsidiary-level Influences on MNE's Purchasing Patterns in CEE Sources of Inputs Used by MNE Subsidiaries in Romania Conclusions PART 8: CONCLUSIONS Bibliography Index