Features of international sourcing in Europe in 2001-2006

International sourcing as a business model is becoming more popular as resident enterprises move abroad core and support business functions that were previously performed in-house or domestically sourced. This publication considers which type of international sourcing is most common, as well as the impact on employment. A survey carried out by twelve countries on enterprises engaged in international sourcing during the 2001-2006 period showed that insourcing, that is to say moving business functions abroad but within the same enterprise group, is the most common type of international sourcing. Its perceived impact on competitiveness, cost reduction and access to new markets is positive, although more enterprises expect to move jobs abroad rather than create new jobs domestically as a result of future international sourcing.

• Primary Source

Eurostat: Statistics in Focus: Industry, Trade and Services: No.74, 2009: Plans for international sourcing in Europe in 2007-2009 http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/documents/3433488/5284105/KS-SF-09-074-EN.PDF

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