Foreign Direct Investment-Growth Nexus in BRICS: How Relevant are the Absorption Capacities?

Abstract

This study examined the impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in BRICS using fixed effects, dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS). Panel data ranging from 1991 to 2019 was used for the purposes of this study. The same study also explored whether financial sector and human capital development are necessary absorption capacities that enhance economic growth in BRICS. To a larger extent, foreign direct investment had a negative impact on economic growth in BRICS, consistent with the dependency theory. Financial development was also found to be the channel through which economic growth is enhanced by foreign direct investment. Although the influence was observed to be non-significantly negative, human capital development improved the influence of foreign direct investment on economic growth. BRICS authorities are therefore urged to implement human capital and financial development enhancement policies to ensure significant foreign direct investment’s positive influence on economic growth.