This paper discusses how information and communication technology (ICT) affects the quality and reach of consumer services. These services need to be provided locally, but consist of several components, some of which can be digitised and transmitted over long distances. A general equilibrium...

This paper analyses to which extent domestic institutions affect trade flows. We use two complementary approaches, one focusing on the size of total trade flows and one focusing on bilateral trade patterns (gravity equation). Besides, we control for two other domestic policy variables: trade...

This paper explores the role of infrastructural services in international outsourcing. Outsourcing in combination with lean supply management is sensitive to the timeliness of delivery and the fulfilment of quality standards, which in turn depend critically on the availability of infrastructure...