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Radical or incremental: Where does R&D policy hit?

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  • Beck, Mathias
  • Lopes-Bento, Cindy
  • Schenker-Wicki, Andrea

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of public R&D support. Compared to most existing studies, we do not stop at substitution effects or general innovation outcome measures, but we are interested in knowing where the policy effect is highest: on innovation close to the market (i.e. incremental innovation) or on innovation that is still far from the market and hence more risky and radical. Using firm level data from the period 1999 to 2011, we find that the policy hits where the market failure is highest, that is, for radical innovation. Taking into account that the Swiss funding agency encourages collaboration, we find no evidence that the impact of the policy is positively effected by various R&D collaboration patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Beck, Mathias & Lopes-Bento, Cindy & Schenker-Wicki, Andrea, 2014. "Radical or incremental: Where does R&D policy hit?," ZEW Discussion Papers 14-106, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:14106
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    R&D subsidies; collaborative innovation; diversity; innovation performance; radical innovation; incremental innovation; policy evaluation; treatment effects;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C30 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - General
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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