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International operations and corporate R&D investment: Evidence from China

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Listed:
  • Ying Fu
  • Jiaying Li
  • Ying Wu

Abstract

This paper presents an examination of the relationship between international operations and corporate R&D investment. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms for the 2009–2022 period and the ordinary least squares method, we find that international operations have a positive effect on corporate R&D investment. The finding remains valid after a battery of robustness tests. Mechanism tests show that international operations increase corporate R&D investment by diversifying product demand instead of increasing firms’ international knowledge acquisition. This paper provides new evidence on the role of international operations in innovation activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Ying Fu & Jiaying Li & Ying Wu, 2024. "International operations and corporate R&D investment: Evidence from China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0308290
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308290
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    References listed on IDEAS

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