Since the days of the Dutch East Indies Trade Company, the economy of the Netherlands has been heavily dependent on the overseas activities of its firms. Despite the end of the colonial era, The Netherlands continues to be a significant player in the world economy. This is not just restricted to trading activities but is increasingly conducted through foreign direct investment by its multinational enterprises (MNEs) and, more recently through strategic alliances. Indeed The Netherlands is home to some of the worlds largest multinationals including Philips, Unilever and Royal Dutch/Shell. Despite the long history of international economic activity and the dominant role of Dutch MNEs in the world economy there has been relatively little academic research in this area. Multinational Enterprises from the Netherlands contains a foreword by Dr van Nieuwkerk, Deputy Director of The Netherlands Central Bank and features contributions from an international selection of academic experts. The book explores issues such as: * What historical antecedents underlie the character of Dutch MNE activity * How and why the technological specialisation of the Dutch economy and its firms has evolved to its current state * The changing FDI activity of Dutch MNEs * The strategic aspects of Dutch MNE activity in terms of location and R&D * The implications for Dutch MNEs of globalisation and economic integration Comprehensive in its coverage, this book will be of great interest to students and researchers in international business. Dr van Nieuwkerk, The Netherlands Central Bank; Annelies Hogenbirk, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands; A. de Vaal, University of Groningen, The Netherlands; Bart Verspa