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R&D offshoring and the domestic science base in India and China

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  • Suma Athreye
  • Martha Prevezer

Abstract

This paper uses patent and publication data to assess the nature of technological advantages that are attracting R&D offshoring and outsourcing activities to India and China and the possible consequences of such R&D offshoring in increasing domestic innovative capability and building domestic research infrastructure. We find evidence that domestic patenting is concentrated in sectors that are different from sectors of R&D offshoring. Furthermore, whilst the domestic science base (as measured by publications data) in India and China shows strong complementarities in its specialisation profile to that in the US, our data also suggest that the location of international R&D activity in these economies from 1995 may not have strengthened the science base of these economies. Foreign patenting activities in India and China are also marked by a low attachment to the science base.

Suggested Citation

  • Suma Athreye & Martha Prevezer, 2008. "R&D offshoring and the domestic science base in India and China," Working Papers 26, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:cgs:wpaper:26
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Yuandi & Ning, Lutao & Prevezer, Martha, 2015. "Technological diversification in China from 1986 to 2011: Evidence from patent data," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 54-66.
    2. Athreye, Suma & Batsakis, Georgios & Singh, Satwinder, 2016. "Local, global, and internal knowledge sourcing: The trilemma of foreign-based R&D subsidiaries," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 69(12), pages 5694-5702.
    3. Martha Prevezer & Pietro Panzarasa & Tore Opsahl, 2010. "Geographic clustering and network evolution of innovative activities: Evidence from China’s patents," Working Papers 32, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.

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    Keywords

    R&D offshoring/internationalisation; Science base; Emerging economies; India and China;
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