Company Perceptions of Comparative Advantage by Region

Abstract

DEBBAGE K. and REES J. (1991) Company perceptions of comparative advantage by region, Reg. Studies 25, 199–206. This paper considers differences in comparative advantage as perceived by companies in similar industries but different locations. Based on evidence from 160 companies located in: the manufacturing heartland of Ohio, New York, and Pennsylvania; California; and the less industrial states of the US, it is argued that proximity to both markets and suppliers plays a powerful role in explaining perceived comparative advantage. Firms located in both the manufacturing heartland and California were more likely to perceive a comparative advantage in proximity than were companies located in the less industrial states. Other factors that played an important role include product price and labour costs. DEBBAGE K. et REES J. (1991) Les perceptions des entreprises de l'avantage comparatif regional, Reg. Studies 25, 199–206. Cet article considere la variation de l'avantage comparatif en fonction des perception...