An Exploration of the Relationship Between Air Connectivity and Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland by United States Technology Companies

Enright, Stephen (2016) An Exploration of the Relationship Between Air Connectivity and Foreign Direct Investment in Ireland by United States Technology Companies. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Following the financial and economic collapse of 2008, the Irish economy was able to recover due to a number of factors, including the country’s strong export platform and crucially a strong foreign direct investment (FDI) sector. In an Irish context, FDI creates jobs, generates wealth and insulates the country from fluctuating domestic demand. No sector comprising Irish inward investment has been more central than the technology sector, which primarily originates in the United States. If Ireland can continue to attract and secure this investment, the economy can continue to grow and create secure, high-quality employment.

Attracting FDI is a challenging and complex task for any government or state agency. A myriad of factors guide international firms before they decide where to invest. If countries can understand these factors and create an environment where companies want to invest, there will be an increased likelihood of FDI. This research explores the FDI sector in Ireland for technology firms from the United States and examines specifically if international air connectivity from Irish airports is a determining factor for those companies.

This topic has been examined in previous studies using a quantitative approach, but never in Ireland and never using a qualitative technique. The historical and ongoing reliance of FDI in Ireland, plus the country’s dependence on air transport, makes the country an attractive location for research. This research was conducted using in-depth interviews with managers in US technology companies with operations in Ireland. By using this technique, it was hoped to uncover the more detailed thought processes of technology firms in how and where they decide to invest. In brief, the research uncovered that air connectivity is an important determinant for technology firms before deciding where to invest. Air connectivity itself was found not to be a prerequisite for firms when investing, however its absence was considered to be a barrier or negative factor for United States technology companies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HG Finance > Investment > Foreign Direct Investment H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > I.T. Industry
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Science in Management
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	04 Nov 2016 11:17
Last Modified:	04 Nov 2016 11:17
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/2335

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