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Finance and R&D Investment: A Panel Study of Italian Manufacturing Firms

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  • Marianna Succurro
  • Giuseppina Costanzo

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of different sources of finance on R&D investment decisions in Italian manufacturing firms. Accounting data, taken from the Aida database, are collected over the 2006-2013 years. The empirical evidence shows that the availability of external financing primarily affects the decision to engage in R&D activity rather than R&D intensity. Internal cash flow, on the contrary, does affect both the likelihood of whether firms will undertake any R&D and the size of R&D spending. This impact is strongly significant for financially weaker firms, SMEs and high-tech firms. Due to greater asymmetric information problems, small innovative firms mainly rely on cash-flow to finance innovative projects. Since bank loans and other forms of debt are not well suited for R&D-intensive activities, our study would contribute to the debate whether it might be socially desirable to incentivize alternative small business financing options, still limited in Italy.

Suggested Citation

  • Marianna Succurro & Giuseppina Costanzo, 2016. "Finance and R&D Investment: A Panel Study of Italian Manufacturing Firms," International Journal of Economics and Finance, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 8(8), pages 1-95, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:ibn:ijefaa:v:8:y:2016:i:8:p:95
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mulier, Klaas & Samarin, Ilia, 2021. "Sector heterogeneity and dynamic effects of innovation subsidies: Evidence from Horizon 2020," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 50(10).

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    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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