World Investment Report 2011

The World Investment Report is an annual publication that analyses the trends of foreign direct investment and developments in related policy measures at the national and international levels. The Report is widely regarded as the most authoritative source of data and analysis on the activities of transnational corporations, national and international regulatory regimes, and their implications for development. The 2011 edition of the Report focuses on the strategic use of non-equity modalities (e.g. contract manufacturing, service outsourcing, licensing, franchising, etc.) by transnational corporations in their management of global value chains and international operations. Additional highlights include a discussion of the interplay between foreign direct investment and industrial policy, as well as an assessment of the origin, rise and global map of state-owned transnational corporations. The Report provides policy recommendations for countries that seek to harness the resources of transnational corporations in a manner compatible with national development objectives.