Academic Track (session III)

The WIF 2023 Academic Track is organized in partnership with leading academic institutions and associations in disciplines related to investment and development. The track includes a series of thematic events (elsewhere on the programme) integrating research and ideas from leading scholars, researchers, executives from global companies and senior policymakers. It will cover a broad spectrum of issues related to foreign investment, MNEs and development, including themes such as the energy transition, sustainable infrastructure, FDI and women empowerment, SME internationalization, and industry 4.0 and the future of global investment.

Programme

15:00 - 16:15 International Economics and Development: Investing in Sustainable Development

Trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) can significantly contribute to the economic development of receiving countries. 

• Can FDI-related technological transfers help address climate and environmental issues? 
• Can the positive economic effects from FDI spillover to neighboring countries and reduce poverty rates? 
• What do these spatial effects imply for regional integration policies? 
• Do absorption capacities and the efforts of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPA) matter in determining the impact of FDI in the receiving economy? 

In this session, leading academics and practitioners will provide research insights and views on these questions.

16:45 - 18:00 International Economics and Development: FDI and Energy Transition

The 2023 World Investment Report calls for urgent support to enable developing countries to attract significantly more investment for their energy transition. 

• What drives investments in their energy transition? 
• What are some important roadblocks in their decarbonizing efforts?
• How do investments in energy transition impact the economic activity and environmental quality in these countries? 

In this session, leading academics and practitioners will provide their research insights and views on these questions.