IBM-Plant Location International (PLI) is a global service of IBM Services, specializing in corporate location and economic development strategies. IBM-PLI maintains a proprietary Global Location Trends database, which tracks cross-border “greenfield” and expansion investments around the world. Every year, the data are used to produce the Global Location Trends annual report, a detailed Global Location Trends, Facts & Figures report, as well as multiple country reports. The analysis of foreign investment presented in these reports focuses on job creation. IBM's Global Location Trends Report 2018 has been published and can be consulted here.
What factors are driving foreign direct investment and impacting economic growth around the world? Where is foreign direct investment originating and which countries and regions are benefitting? What must government and economic developers do to navigate the new era of Globalization 4.0?
As digital disruption significantly affects global corporate investment patterns, the next wave for the global economy is emerging. This is the era of Globalization 4.0 – an era that aligns international value creation with the promise of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial revolution. An increasingly data-driven economy is transforming global value chains and driving the participation of different locations and geographic regions. IBM's eleventh annual report on global investments trends shows greater volatility in foreign direct investment (FDI). This volatility is evident both overall and for individual countries as companies and countries adapt to Globalization 4.0. Navigating this new era for economic development and job creation will likely put increased pressure on policy makers to shape business environments that are responsive to rapidly – and continually – changing industry requirements.
