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Do subsidies have positive impacts on R&D and innovation activities at the firm level?

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  • Clausen, Tommy H.

Abstract

In this paper we analyze whether and how "research" and "development" subsidies influence private R&D activity. Our empirical results show that "research" subsidies stimulate R&D spending within firms while "development" subsidies substitute such spending. At the theoretical level we find empirical support for the market failure argument that private R&D expenditure is best stimulated in areas where the gap between the social and the private rate of return to R&D is high. A policy implication is that technology programs should support research projects in the private sector in order to stimulate to more R&D.

Suggested Citation

  • Clausen, Tommy H., 2009. "Do subsidies have positive impacts on R&D and innovation activities at the firm level?," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 20(4), pages 239-253, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:streco:v:20:y:2009:i:4:p:239-253
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