Multilevel analysis of macroeconomic and institutional determinants of FDI in Newly Industrialized Countries

Purpose — This study empirically examines how macroeconomic and institutional factors influence Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows in Newly Industrialised Countries (NICs), with particular emphasis on structural backwardness among NICs.Method — The analysis uses a Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) approach based on multilevel panel data for 2013–2024. We tested the model in stages using the Null Model, Random Intercept Model, and Random Slope Model.Findings — The Null Model yields that cross-country differences, rather than temporal fluctuations, drive most of the variation in FDI across NICs. Graphical analysis confirms this cross-country heterogeneity, showing that institutional capacity and macroeconomic strength explain most of the variation in FDI across countries. The Random Slope Model further shows that GDP has a positive and significant effect on FDI, while Political Stability has a significant negative effect. Trade Openness, Government Effectiveness, and Voice and Accountability are not statistically significant, indicating that macroeconomic factors remain the dominant drivers of FDI.Implication — These findings emphasise the importance of strengthening economic foundations and institutional flexibility in the design of foreign investment policies in NICS countries.Originality — The main contribution of this research lies in its use of random-slope models of Voice and Accountability (VA) models within the HLM framework, enabling a deeper examination of institutional dynamics across NICs.