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R&D spending, strategic position and firm performance

Author

Listed:
  • Bing Guo

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Jing Wang

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Steven X. Wei

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

Abstract

Based on R&D investment data from Chinese listed manufacturing firms, this paper examines the effect of R&D spending on firms’ future performance conditional on their strategic positions. We find that firms pursing a product differentiation strategy have more R&D spending than those with a cost leadership strategy. In addition, we document a positive effect of R&D spending on firms’ future performance if they adopt a product differentiation strategy. Meanwhile, for the firms that adopt a cost leadership strategy, the relationship between R&D spending and firm performance resembles an inversed U-shape. Furthermore, we find this inversed U-shape relationship only exists for non-state-owned firms. Overall, this paper provides guidance and useful suggestions on the efficient allocation of R&D resources for Chinese manufacturing firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Bing Guo & Jing Wang & Steven X. Wei, 2018. "R&D spending, strategic position and firm performance," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-19, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:fobric:v:12:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1186_s11782-018-0037-7
    DOI: 10.1186/s11782-018-0037-7
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    2. Namryoung Lee & Jaehong Lee, 2019. "Differentiation Strategy, R&D Intensity, and Sustainability of Accounting Earnings: With a Focus on Biotech Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(7), pages 1-16, March.
    3. Zhipeng Zang & Qiwei Zhu & Helena Mogorrón-Guerrero, 2019. "How Does R&D Investment Affect the Financial Performance of Cultural and Creative Enterprises? The Moderating Effect of Actual Controller," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-19, January.
    4. Bhattacharya, Mita & Okafor, Luke Emeka & Pradeep, V., 2021. "International firm activities, R&D, and productivity: Evidence from Indian manufacturing firms," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 97(C), pages 1-13.
    5. HERCIU Mihaela & ȘERBAN Radu Alexandru, 2018. "Measuring Firm Performance:Testing A Proposed Model," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 13(2), pages 103-114, August.
    6. Qianhui Ma & Lan Ju & Zishi Zhang, 2022. "Innovation Input and Firm Value: Based on the Moderating Effect of Internal Control," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-24, September.
    7. Kerry Liu, 2020. "Chinese consumer finance: a primer," Frontiers of Business Research in China, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-22, December.
    8. Agata Sudolska & Justyna Łapińska, 2020. "Exploring Determinants of Innovation Capability in Manufacturing Companies Operating in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-21, August.
    9. Roland Standert, 2020. "R&D Spending and Stock Returns: Evidence from Germany," Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance Research, Scientific Publishing Institute, vol. 10(2), pages 68-75.
    10. Katerina Lyroudi & Thomas Chatzigagios, 2021. "Does Innovation Lead to Growth? An SDG for Companies in the Black Sea Markets Before and After COVID-19," South-Eastern Europe Journal of Economics, Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region, vol. 19(2), pages 151-179.

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