부산대학교 도서관

This paper investigates a widespread assumption in the upgrading literature that lead firms and higher‐tier suppliers perform better and capture a larger value than lower‐tier suppliers. In contrast to other studies, this analysis is based on a detailed examination of a cross‐sectoral sample of 251 companies (including companies outside production networks) nested in a small economy (Czechia). Our results indicate that the economic performance of companies varies profoundly according to a number of characteristics. Generally, domestic firms tend to capture larger value, that is, they spend more on capital investments, research and development (R&D), and personnel costs. Surprisingly, lead firms tend to spend significantly less on personnel costs, taxes and R&D than first‐tier suppliers. The highest value capture is by firms operating outside production networks. The results warn against overgeneralisations and indicate the need for a careful context‐sensitive analysis before the design of supportive policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]