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A Framework for Evaluating Provincial R&D Tax Subsidies

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  • Bev Dahlby

Abstract

The spillover effects from a firm's research and development (R&D) activities provide a rationale for R&D tax incentives. This paper provides a framework for incorporating the external rate of return on R&D, the tax sensitivity of R&D spending, and the government's marginal cost of public funds in the evaluation of provincial R&D incentive programs. Using this framework, we find that an additional dollar of tax incentive has to generate close to $2.00 of additional R&D and the external rate of return has to be very close to 30 percent in order to justify a provincial tax subsidy for R&D if the provincial government's marginal cost of funds is $1.40.

Suggested Citation

  • Bev Dahlby, 2005. "A Framework for Evaluating Provincial R&D Tax Subsidies," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 31(1), pages 45-58, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpp:issued:v:31:y:2005:i:1:p:45-58
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Baghana, Rufin, 2010. "Public R&D Subsidies and Productivity: Evidence from Firm-Level Data in Quebec," MERIT Working Papers 2010-055, United Nations University - Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (MERIT).
    2. Sabina Hodzic, 2013. "Tax Incentives For Research And Development In Austria And Croatia: B-Index," Economic Thought and Practice, Department of Economics and Business, University of Dubrovnik, vol. 22(2), pages 397-416, december.
    3. Charles Bérubé & Pierre Mohnen, 2009. "Are firms that receive R&D subsidies more innovative?," Canadian Journal of Economics/Revue canadienne d'économique, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 42(1), pages 206-225, February.
    4. Kenneth J. McKenzie, 2012. "The Big and the Small of Tax Support for R&D in Canada," SPP Research Papers, The School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, vol. 5(22), July.
    5. Cheah, Sarah Lai-Yin & Ho, Yuen-Ping, 2020. "Effective industrial policy implementation for open innovation: The role of government resources and capabilities," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    6. Johannes Van Biesebroeck, 2010. "Bidding for Investment Projects: Smart Public Policy or Corporate Welfare?," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 36(s1), pages 31-48, April.
    7. Kenneth J. McKenzie, 2005. "Tax Subsidies for R&D in Canadian Provinces," Canadian Public Policy, University of Toronto Press, vol. 31(1), pages 29-44, March.

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