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Strategic growth option, uncertainty, and R&D investment

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  • Vo, Lai Van
  • Le, Huong Thi Thu

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of uncertainty on R&D investment. We find that firms invest more in R&D when they face higher uncertainty, as measured by idiosyncratic return volatility. We further show that the effect is more pronounced for firms in more competitive industries as well as for firms whose products have less market power. Overall, our findings support the theory of strategic growth option in which firms under competition follow preemptive strategy when they face high uncertainty.

Suggested Citation

  • Vo, Lai Van & Le, Huong Thi Thu, 2017. "Strategic growth option, uncertainty, and R&D investment," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 16-24.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:51:y:2017:i:c:p:16-24
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2017.03.002
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Growth option; Idiosyncratic volatility; R&D investment; Uncertainty;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G31 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Capital Budgeting; Fixed Investment and Inventory Studies
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • 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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