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External R&D, productivity, and export: evidence from Japanese firms

Author

Listed:
  • Banri Ito

    (Senshu University)

  • Ayumu Tanaka

    (Setsunan University)

Abstract

This study theoretically and empirically examines the productivity sorting pattern of the joint decisions related to research and development (R&D) strategies and exporting status using a simple theoretical framework that extends the firm heterogeneity model to account for both internal (a firm’s own R&D) and external (outsourcing R&D or technology purchase) R&D strategies. The empirical results from the nonparametric and semiparametric methods using Japanese firm-level data show that exporting firms engaged in R&D activities are more productive than non-exporters and exporters with no R&D, regardless of whether internal or external R&D strategy is adopted; further, exporters that employ both the R&D strategies are the most productive. The results suggest that the external R&D strategy is complementary to the in-house R&D strategy and is crucial for promoting the innovations of internationalized firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Banri Ito & Ayumu Tanaka, 2016. "External R&D, productivity, and export: evidence from Japanese firms," Review of World Economics (Weltwirtschaftliches Archiv), Springer;Institut für Weltwirtschaft (Kiel Institute for the World Economy), vol. 152(3), pages 577-596, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:weltar:v:152:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1007_s10290-015-0240-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10290-015-0240-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    R&D; Productivity; Firm heterogeneity; Nonparametric tests;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F12 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies; Fragmentation
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • 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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