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Convergence of R&D intensity in OECD countries: evidence since 1870

Author

Listed:
  • Sefa Awaworyi Churchill

    (RMIT University)

  • John Inekwe

    (Macquarie University)

  • Kris Ivanovski

    (Monash University)

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) activity has been widely cited as one of the key drivers of economic growth over several decades. This research note employs the Phillips and Sul (Econometrica 75(6):1771–1855, 2007; Econometrics 24(7):1153–1185, 2009) methodology to test for the convergence of R&D intensity across OECD countries spanning 145 years. We find evidence in favour of full convergence (i.e. convergence among all 20 countries) in R&D intensity. However, the club clustering procedure reveals that prior to World War II (WWII) the patterns of R&D intensity differ across countries where we identify one convergent club and one non-convergent club. These results suggest that the post-WWII period witnessed significant international R&D spillovers between countries, given that all countries converge to the same steady state. Alternatively, the pre-WWII period included countries where technology and innovation were lagging behind.

Suggested Citation

  • Sefa Awaworyi Churchill & John Inekwe & Kris Ivanovski, 2020. "Convergence of R&D intensity in OECD countries: evidence since 1870," Empirical Economics, Springer, vol. 59(1), pages 295-306, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:empeco:v:59:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1007_s00181-019-01628-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s00181-019-01628-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Yifei Cai & Jamel Saadaoui, 2022. "Fourier DF unit root test for R&D intensity of G7 countries," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(42), pages 4900-4914, September.
    2. Camila Henriquez Mora & James W. Saunoris, 2023. "Is there convergence amongst shadow economies? International evidence," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 82(1), pages 15-28, January.
    3. Alvarez, Roberto & Bravo-Ortega, Claudio & Poniachik, Dan, 2023. "Understanding R&D transitions: From bottom to top?," Economic Systems, Elsevier, vol. 47(4).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    R&D intensity; Club convergence/clustering; OECD;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • Q47 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy Forecasting

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