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R&D and patenting activities of foreign firms in China: The case of Japan

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  • Yang, Chih-Hai
  • Matsuura, Toshiyuki
  • Ito, Tadashi

Abstract

This study investigates the research and development (R&D) and patenting activities of foreign firms in China. Utilizing a panel dataset of Japanese affiliates during the period 2001–2007, we first examine the determinants of R&D activity and find that local market-oriented firms place more emphasis on R&D, whereas process export-oriented firms are less likely to conduct R&D. Affiliates within a large business group that has more affiliates have a higher propensity to undertake R&D. Using only firms with positive R&D expenditures, we next estimate the patent production function. Results indicate that the patent elasticity of R&D for Japanese affiliates is high, suggesting that they are more productive on patent production than other firms. Moreover, local market-oriented firms do need more patents to protect their products, whereas scientific firms demonstrate a lower willingness to register patents in China.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Chih-Hai & Matsuura, Toshiyuki & Ito, Tadashi, 2019. "R&D and patenting activities of foreign firms in China: The case of Japan," Japan and the World Economy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 151-160.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:japwor:v:49:y:2019:i:c:p:151-160
    DOI: 10.1016/j.japwor.2018.11.001
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    Cited by:

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    2. Ma, Ding & Yu, Qian & Li, Jing & Ge, Mengni, 2021. "Innovation diffusion enabler or barrier: An investigation of international patenting based on temporal exponential random graph models," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    3. Wan, Qunchao & Tang, Shiyi & Jiang, Zhenwu, 2023. "Does the development of digital technology contribute to the innovation performance of China's high-tech industry？," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 124(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Multinational enterprises; R&D; Patent;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • L21 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Business Objectives of the Firm
    • M16 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - International Business Administration
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • 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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