The impact of large firms in promoting economic growth, exports, and regional integration: a Chandlerian perspective

Chandler's work is well known. He has amply demonstrated that large firms played a huge role in the economic take-off and development of countries such as Germany and especially the USA. In this paper his thesis is extended to the whole world, by considering various countries, economically itegrated regions, their exports and economic achievement. The largest firms in the world are examined in this context. Chandler's thesis is thus confirmed wth this analysis and some quantitative evidence is provided in that respect. In addition, integration seems to take place even without the existence of formal agreements due to the presence of large firms. Finally, some suggetsions are made for the Middle East economies.