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(International) R&D collaboration and SMEs: The effectiveness of targeted public R&D support schemes

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  • Hottenrott, Hanna
  • Lopes-Bento, Cindy

Abstract

This study analyses the effectiveness of targeted public support for R&D investment. In particular, we test whether the specific policy design aiming at incentivizing (international) collaboration and R&D in small and mediumsized firms achieves the desired objectives on input as well as output additionality. Our results show that the targeted R&D subsidies accelerate R&D spending in the private sector, and especially so in the targeted groups. Further, we differentiate between privately financed R&D and subsidyinduced R&D investment to evaluate their respective effects on innovation performance. The results confirm that the induced R&D is productive as it translates into marketable product innovations. While both types of R&D investments trigger significant output effects, we find that the effect of subsidy-induced R&D investment is higher for firms that collaborate internationally as well as for SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Hottenrott, Hanna & Lopes-Bento, Cindy, 2012. "(International) R&D collaboration and SMEs: The effectiveness of targeted public R&D support schemes," ZEW Discussion Papers 12-086, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:zewdip:12086
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation Policy; Subsidies; R&D; SMEs; International Collaboration; Treatment Effects; Innovation Performance;
    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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