January 2002

• Friend or Foe? Leveraging Foreign Multinationals in the Australian Economy (Research)
  Jan 2002 | Dr Lyndal Thorburn, Viria Pty Ltd; Dr John Langdale, Macquarie University; John Howkins

  To what degree do multinationals influence, either positively or negatively, the growth, capacity and skills of Australian firms?  This study found that multinationals are more friend than foe but that the relationship is fragile and firms and policy makers need to be smarter about engaging with them to maximise the benefits of access to global knowledge, skills and markets. 

  By being demanding customers, multinationals contribute to better quality products and services which are more sought after in global markets.  If firms and policy makers can encourage multinationals to set down deeper roots in research, innovation and product development here, Australian firms can continue to capitalise on skills and knowledge transfer for their own gain, and this investment will act as a magnet for further investment to encourage more sustainable relationships with multinational firms.

• Friend or Foe: Report Launch (Presentation)
  Tue Jan 01 2002 | Dr Lyndal Thorburn, Viria Pty Ltd
  Dr. Thorburn's powerpoint presentation from the launch of the research Friend or Foe? Leveraging Foreign Multinationals in the Australian Economy