Strategies for measuring influences on global development
At the beginning of the 21st century, the United Nations Millennium Declaration underlined societal challenges in an increasingly globalised world. It claimed that every individual has the right to dignity, freedom, equality and a basic standard of living regardless of nationality. The Declaration aimed to combat poverty, reinforce health and help protect the natural environment while striving for sustainable economic development. The EU-funded project MNEMERGE (A framework model on MNE’s impact on global development challenges in emerging markets) was made up of an international, interdisciplinary team of researchers. Using case studies, quantitative data as well as policy analysis they focused on several strategic areas. One strategic area was the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on poverty alleviation since it provides an understanding of the impact of MNE strategies at the macro level. Examination of income generation, employment generation, capacity building and poverty alleviation was given priority. Additionally, the team looked at the meso landscape regarding health and energy. Factors such as poverty, food security, quality of water and sanitation, access to healthcare and medicines, and education are some of the many determinants of a country’s health status. A main way in which multinationals can create an environment that benefits a host country’s socioeconomic development is by linking FDIs with local actors. Since MNEs promote local economic development through their FDI, MNEMERGE capitalised on existing knowledge and provided new insights. A framework model was developed to analyse the impact of MNEs on socioeconomic development. A model describing the relationship between MNEs, FDI and the economy was also created. Researchers provided case studies and quantitative analysis to support the methodological framework model on health, environment and energy. The results highlight also the interconnections between various goals and give insights how progress in achieving one sustainable development agenda objective can contribute to another. Dissemination activities addressed a broad target audience, including the research community, policymakers, the business community, and NGOs as well as the general public. Various communication tools were used. They include regular project newsletters published on the project website, project promotion in social networks (Facebook page), regional workshops and seminars, policy briefs, and conference presentations and publications.
Keywords
Global development, multinational enterprises, Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, MNEMERGE
