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Is there a linear relationship between R&D intensity and growth? Empirical evidence of non-high-tech vs. high-tech SMEs

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  • Nunes, Paulo Maçãs
  • Serrasqueiro, Zélia
  • Leitão, João

Abstract

To investigate whether there is a similar relationship between R&D intensity and growth in high-tech and non-high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), we examine two samples of SMEs in manufacturing industries, applying the two-step estimation method. Our findings are that R&D intensity restricts the growth of high-tech SMEs at lower levels of R&D intensity and stimulates their growth at higher levels. However, R&D intensity restricts the growth of non-high-tech SMEs regardless of the level of R&D. The relationships obtained between other determinants considered in the literature and the growth of high-tech and non-high-tech SMEs allow us to conclude that (i) smaller, younger, non-high-tech SMEs grow more quickly than larger, older, non-high-tech SMEs, which does not occur in the case of high-tech SMEs; and (ii) financing restrictions are especially important in financing the growth of high-tech SMEs, compared with non-high-tech SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Nunes, Paulo Maçãs & Serrasqueiro, Zélia & Leitão, João, 2012. "Is there a linear relationship between R&D intensity and growth? Empirical evidence of non-high-tech vs. high-tech SMEs," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 36-53.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:41:y:2012:i:1:p:36-53
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2011.08.011
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    High-tech SMEs; Non-high-tech SMEs; R&D intensity; Two-step estimation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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