Perceptions Of Select, Newly Established Nations Of The Former Soviet Union As Foreign Direct Investment Options: A Longitudinal Perspective

Abstract

This study replicates a 2002 study that used perceptual mapping to identify the collective and individual positions of nine, newly established nations of the former Soviet Union as foreign direct investment (FDI) options. With the continued growth of FDI globally, the purpose of the 2010 study was to determine if significant shifts had occurred in the perceived positions of the individual nations, as well as that of the "ideal" nation. FDI executives surveyed indicated that a limited number of newly established nations (e.g., Azerbaijan, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and the Ukraine) are positioned most strategically to benefit from future foreign direct investments. Of the newly established nations studied, Azerbaijan appears to hold a strategically unique position. The abundance of natural resources, the nations improving political and economic environments, and favorable business requirements all contribute significantly to this nations perceived position. Some nations (e.g., Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova) continue to face significant FDI obstacles.