Non-scale endogenous growth effects of subsidies for exporters

We built a general equilibrium endogenous growth model in which final goods are produced either in the relatively skilled-labour intensive exports sector or in the relatively unskilled-labour intensive domestic sector. We show that, by affecting the technological-knowledge bias, subsidies explain the simultaneous rise in the exports sector, the skill wage premium and the economic growth rate. Then, we use a Portuguese longitudinal database (1996-2003) and implement a propensity score matching approach to shed light upon the causal nexus between production-related subsidies and exports. Our empirical results seem to prove the theoretical predictions: subsides generate the rise in the wage premium of exporters and the increase in the relative size of export sector, even if no impact of subsidies is found in the capacity of enhancing new exporters.Subsidies, Exports, Scale-invariant growth, Wages

Which Portuguese firms are more innovative? The importance of multinationals and exporters

In this study we test the trade Global Engagement hypothesis in which firms more globally engaged – either multinationals or exporters – are more innovative. The test is applied to 4818 Portuguese enterprises´ data for the period 2002-2004 through the use of the fourth Portuguese Community Innovation Survey. We estimated several Knowledge Production Functions assuming that knowledge outputs result from the combination of some knowledge inputs with the flow of ideas coming from existing stock of knowledge. We found that more internationally exposed firms create more knowledge output, than their domestic counterparts; indeed, more globalized firms use more inputs and have the opportunity to use a larger stock of knowledge. Notwithstand, the observed superiority of more internationally exposed firms is also the result of their globalized nature, not directly connected with knowledge inputs or information flows.Multinational firms, exporting, knowledge-production functions, Portugal

Learning-by-exporting: what we know and what we would like to know

This paper revises the thesis that exporting firms learn to be more innovative and efficient as they have contact with certain information flows from their foreign activity (e.g., from buyers, suppliers or competitors). The paper begins by exploring the connections between two distinct concepts: Self-Selection (of more efficient firms into exports) and Learning-by-Exporting. The study then proceeds with a comparative analysis of the most recent literature and presents common facts and evidence, as well as key issues still open to debate. Learning-by-Exporting should be measured directly using firms´ innovative performance. However, given the lack of suitable data on firms’ innovative activities most studies have followed an indirect approach, using productivity measures. Several methodologies have been employed to estimate Total Factor Productivity and to test the Learning-by-Exporting hypothesis, but so far no final consensus has been reached on the best way to do it.Learning-by-exporting, self selection, total factor productivity

Economic performance and international trade engagement: the case of Portuguese manufacturing firms

By combining economic and financial data for Portuguese manufacturing firms with data of their exports and imports, we uncover some aspects of the relationship between international trade engagement and firms’ performance. In line with recent theoretical and empirical developments in the international trade literature: (i) we testify that Portuguese international trade is highly concentrated, especially on the import side, and both in inter- and intra-sector terms; (ii) we corroborate previous studies and theses according to which two-way traders outperform only importers, only exporters and above all domestic firms; (iii) we find that the greater the diversification of markets and goods (especially with regard to imports) the better the performance achieved by internationalized firms; (iv) we also present evidence that destination markets, for exports, and, origin markets, for imports, are also important in explaining the performance of firms.International trade, Firm performance, Diversification

Which Portuguese Manufacturing Firms Learn by Exporting?

Using a longitudinal database (1996-2003) at the plant level, this paper aims to shed light on the causal nexus between international trade engagement and productivity in Portugal. We analyse in particular the learning-by-exporting hypotheses. In line with recent empirical literature, we apply mainly the Propensity Score Matching and a differences-in-differences estimator. In post-entry years we find a higher growth of labour productivity and total factor productivity for new exporting firms when compared to firms that, although having similar characteristics, have decided not to begin exporting in that year. Moreover, in an attempt to uncover the channels through which the learning effects are driven to new exporters, we applied the same methodology to some sub-samples. We found that learning effects are higher for new exporters that are also importers or start importing at the same time. Other important factors influencing that learning ability are found in firms that export to more developed markets, in those that achieve a certain threshold of export intensity and particularly for those firms that belong to sectors in which Portugal is at a comparative disadvantageExports, Imports, Self-Selection, Learning-by-exporting, Matching

Do Portuguese manufacturing firms self select to exports?

Using a longitudinal database (1996-2003) at the plant level, this paper aims to shed light, on the thesis that most productive domestic firms self select to export markets. Self selection and learning by exporting are two non-mutually exclusive theses that try to explain the high correlation between international trade involvement of firms and their superior performance, relative to domestic firms. In general, we find evidence of a self-selection to exports. However, there is a significant heterogeneity according to the destination of sales, to firms’ import status before exporting and to the specificities of sectors firms’ belong to.Exports, Imports, Self selection

Economic performance and international trade engagement: the case of Portuguese manufacturing firms

By combining economic and financial data for Portuguese manufacturing firms with data on their exports and imports, we uncover some aspects of the relationship between international trade engagement and firms’ performance. In line with recent theoretical and empirical developments in the international trade literature: (i) we testify that Portuguese international trade is highly concentrated, especially on the import side, and both in inter- and intra-sector terms; (ii) we corroborate previous studies and theses according to which two-way traders outperform only importers, only exporters and above all domestic firms; (iii) we find that the greater the diversification of markets and goods (especially with regard to imports), the better the performance achieved by internationalised firms; (iv) we notice that the higher the intensity of international trade of firms (especially imports), the better the performance of firms; (v) we also present evidence that destination markets, for exports, and, origin markets, for imports, are also important in explaining firm performance.International trade, Firm performance, Diversification

Improving by sustainability in sport facilities

Comunicação apresentada em Energy for Sustainability 2013 - Sustainable Cities: Designing for People and the Planet, Coimbra, Portugal, 8-10 September 2013Sporting structures particularly in Portugal, which were built for Euro 2004, in addition to belonging to clubs, the rest, have a very low utilization rate. But all in general have high operating costs and little control in the use of resources available. From the cases of stadiums Letzigrund, Zurich, Switzerland and Amsterdam Arena, the Netherlands, there may be a new vision for the improvement of Portuguese stadiums. In the case of the stadium was the Letzigrund stadium in its construction was dubbed the Green Stadium, built for Euro 2008. Among the recommended measures were implemented immediately: Green roof: with a photovoltaic system with an area of 2500 m2 and Solar Thermal Collectors 90 m2, heating by pellets; Promoting green transport: public transport; Waste management by implementing reusable cup; Lighting System: Minergie. The Amsterdam Arena, even having been built in 1998, has now the objective for 2015, be the first zero carbon stadium. The Amsterdam ArenA strives: to be a platform for sustainable innovations; to reduce our own environmental impact, and that of our events; to be a good neighbor and a positive boost for the economy; to increase our sustainable impact together with others. It presents an analysis of the measures advocated by these two football stadiums for sustainability, and measures can be defined and advocated an example and be applicable in Euro 2004 stadiums. It is considered that the implementation of measures for sustainability in sports facilities can be made throughout his life in order to have lower cost and operating efficiency

Las empresas más productivas se autoseleccionan para exportar? Aplicación de una prueba para el caso de Portugal

Using a longitudinal database (1996-2003) at the plant level, this article aims to shed light on the proposition that most productive domestic firms self-select to export markets. Self-selection and learning by exporting are two non-mutually-exclusive theses that attempt to explain the high correlation between firms’ international trade involvement and their superior performance relative to domestic firms. In general, we find evidence of a self-selection to exports. However, there is significant heterogeneity of sales destinations, firm import status before exporting,and the specificities of the sectors firms belong to.Utilizando una base de datos longitudinal (1996-2003) a nivel de empresa, este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar la tesis de que las empresas nacionales más productivas autoseleccionan los mercados de exportación. La autoselección y el aprendizaje mediante la exportación son dos tesis no mutuamen te excluyentes que tratan de explicar la alta correlación entre la participación en el comercio internacional de las empresas y su rendimiento superior. En general, encontramos evidencia de autoselección para los mercados de exportación. Sin embargo, existe una heterogeneidad significativa en función del destino de las ventas, del estatus importador de las empresas antes de la exportación y de las peculiaridades de los sectores a los que éstas pertenecen

Sustainability as architecture for people: the case of football stadiums

Comunicação apresentada em Energy for Sustainability 2013 - Sustainable Cities: Designing for People and the Planet, Coimbra, Portugal, 8-10 September 2013The football stadiums are a center of emotions. In use the assembly is of thousands of people in a short period of time, a few hours. The sustainability of these sports facilities can not only be associated with its construction and operation. In 2011 the Quality Manual of Stadiums developed by UEFA appears the concept of Sustainable Architecture - Architecture for people. The concept of "architecture for people," emphasizes the need for well-being, comfort, and both psychological and physical, which should be an integral feature of any construction project sustainable. This can be defined as sustainable architecture for the planet and for people. Sustainable architecture can be considered as a simple, but important to the human scale, psychology, culture and ergonomics. It also encourages the design sensibility and interpretation that seeks to go beyond the basic requirements of the customer and therefore aims to give added value to the project. Sustainable architecture also focuses on the importance of creating a sense of place and encourage social interaction, which is particularly significant buildings, such as stadiums, where the idea of promoting the community is very important. This can be promoted through a variety of additional activities and facilities within the stadium complex that can offer the community recreation options as needed, without forgetting the business benefits they will bring to the development of the stadium itself. Thus presents the current situation of the Euro 2004 stadiums in relation to the parameters of Sustainable Architecture defined by UEFA as well as what they can improve, given that facilities that are still present only one fifth of its useful life. Football stadiums can thus leverage new forms of interaction, connection and even change their mindsets thousands of users