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The Impact of the Regulatory Reform Process on R&D Investment of European Electricity Utilities

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  • Schmitt, Stephan
  • Kucsera, Denes

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to give deeper insights into the impact of regulatory reforms and privatization on R&D spending of electricity utilities. Building on a panel data set including the biggest European utilities from eight EU-countries over a period from 1985 until 2010, we find a strong negative influence of privatization and also a negative overall impact of regulation on R&D investment. Nearing competition has a dampening effect on R&D spending, but once the market and regulatory framework conditions have been established, higher levels of competition positively influence R&D. Our results further indicate that the relation between competition and innovative investment can be described as inverted U-shaped. Finally, we could not find any evidence that (ownership) unbundling and incentive regulation affect R&D expenditures of the utilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Schmitt, Stephan & Kucsera, Denes, 2013. "The Impact of the Regulatory Reform Process on R&D Investment of European Electricity Utilities," VfS Annual Conference 2013 (Duesseldorf): Competition Policy and Regulation in a Global Economic Order 80035, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:vfsc13:80035
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    1. Gugler, Klaus & Liebensteiner, Mario & Schmitt, Stephan, 2017. "Vertical disintegration in the European electricity sector: Empirical evidence on lost synergies," International Journal of Industrial Organization, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 450-478.

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    JEL classification:

    • L43 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - Legal Monopolies and Regulation or Deregulation
    • L51 - Industrial Organization - - Regulation and Industrial Policy - - - Economics of Regulation
    • L94 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Transportation and Utilities - - - Electric Utilities

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