Universal Model of theories determining FDI. Is there any dominant theory? Are the FDI inflows in the CEE countries and especially in Bulgaria a myth?

Abstract

The paper refers to “a theoretical model” created by the author, named Universal Model, in which have been included most of the theories determining foreign direct investment (FDI). What derives from the literature review is that no theory dominates the decision‐making process of FDI. The opportunities a country has to offer change through time, and the different ways in which multinational enterprises (MNEs) evaluate the opportunities led the author to conclude that the concept of globalization is not valid for the theory of FDI. Special attention to the case of Bulgaria has been given. The main reason why the case of Bulgaria is of great interest is the fact that the conditions in the country at the beginning of its transition were some of the worst among the Central and Eastern European countries (CEEs). The conclusion is of extreme interest since economists, MNEs and entrepreneurs have a strong interest in countries that open their economies and target their efforts towards stabilizing and liberalizing their macro‐economic environment.