Abstract
Studies on Small States, ‘unattractive’ markets, namely those from Africa, are very scarce. São Tomé and Príncipe (STP), a Small State, insular economy, has had considerable momentum in attracting FDI in the last decade albeit its geographical and demographic constraints and relative weak economic growth. The current study uncovers the potential determinants of FDI in unattractive markets using STP as a case study. Based on (robust) logistic estimations on a sample of 56 Portuguese companies that have trade relations with African countries, we show that in the case of Small States economies and unattractive markets, the relevance of institutional factors and resource seeking strategies surpass internalisation and location factors related to market size and dynamics. We further uncovered that foreign companies’ characteristics, namely size and (general) human capital, are critical in explaining companies’ likelihood to invest in an ‘unattractive’ market. © 2019, © 2019 The Institute of Social and Economic Research.

Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Technology Balance of Payments (TBP) on countries’ international competitiveness. Using dynamic panel data estimations for 26 OECD countries over the period 2000–2017, the estimations unambiguously show that a TBP surpluses significantly foster countries’ international competitiveness, regardless of how this latter is measured. © 2019, © 2019 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Abstract

Abstract
Very few quantitative studies assess the impact of IPR protection mechanisms on the competitiveness of companies, particularly those whose creation and existence is often attributed to high technology/knowledge intensity. The present study aims to fill this gap. Through a direct survey targeting startups located in S&T parks and incubators, we assess the direct and indirect impact of IPR protection mechanisms. Logistics estimations based on a sample of 48 Portuguese companies suggest that, considered globally, formal IPR protection is detrimental to the companies' competitiveness. Notwithstanding, when IPR protection mechanisms are discriminated by type, the results indicate that the use of informal protection mechanisms, such as lead time and trade secrets, fosters the companies'competitiveness, whereas the use of formal protection mechanisms, in particular, patents, trademarks and geographical indications, negatively impacts on competitiveness. The size and innovation profile of the company intermediates the influence of IPR protection on its competitiveness. (C) 2018 Journal of Innovation & Knowledge. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U.

Abstract
Using time series data for Portugal between 1973 and 2016, this paper examines to what extent, inward FDI contributes to income inequality and poverty in the long-run. It was found that increased flows of inward FDI are associated with a less unequal income distribution and lower poverty rates. The results further suggest that, in the Portuguese case there is mutual causality between inward FDI and poverty in the long run, i.e., FDI significantly reduces poverty, and lower levels of poverty lead to higher inward FDI flows. In the case of inequality, the evidence shows that FDI does not contribute to higher (or lower) income inequality. Instead, more unequal income distributions significantly and negatively impact on inward FDI in the long run. Finally, human capital emerged as a key determinant to mitigate income inequality and circumvent poverty, contributing, indirectly, to fostering additional FDI inflows. Such results call for integrated public policy interventions that emphasize social and institutional dimensions. © 2019, Instituto Superior de Economica e Gestao (ISEG).