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The interplay between public procurement of innovation and R&D grants: Empirical evidence from Belgium

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  • Czarnitzki, Dirk
  • Prüfer, Malte

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI) and Research and Development (R&D) grants on firms' R&D investment using data from Belgian R&D-active firms over the past decade. Our empirical analysis robustly reveals a non-negligible crowding-out effect between the two instruments, suggesting a substitutive relationship. While each policy individually positively influences R&D investment, their combined implementation diminishes their effectiveness. These results challenge prevailing evidence and emphasize the need for a careful policy implementation, raising policymakers' awareness against a blanket increase in innovation policies without considering potential interactions.

Suggested Citation

  • Czarnitzki, Dirk & Prüfer, Malte, 2024. "The interplay between public procurement of innovation and R&D grants: Empirical evidence from Belgium," ZEW Discussion Papers 24-055, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:301866
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public procurement of innovation; Research and Development; Econometric policy evaluation; Crowding-out;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • H57 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Procurement
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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