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Assessing the nonlinear nature of the effects of R&D intensity on growth of SMEs: a dynamic panel data approach

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  • Paulo Nunes
  • Zélia Serrasqueiro
  • João Leitão

Abstract

Based on a sample of Portuguese SMEs for the period 1999–2006 and using two step estimation, namely probit regressions and dynamic estimators, this study makes two important contributions to the literature: (i) identification of a quadratic relationship between R&D intensity and SME growth that takes the form of a U, and so R&D intensity is a stimulating factor of SME growth for high levels of R&D intensity; being a restrictive factor of SME growth for low levels of R&D intensity; and (ii) the growth of SMEs seems to be dependent on the nonlinear effects associated with distinct levels of R&D intensity. The nonlinear effects identified suggest that Portuguese SMEs with high levels of R&D intensity more easily find an efficiency scale and are more dependent on internal financing and short-term debt as sources for funding growth, compared to the case of Portuguese SMEs with lower levels of R&D intensity. Copyright Springer-Verlag 2013

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Nunes & Zélia Serrasqueiro & João Leitão, 2013. "Assessing the nonlinear nature of the effects of R&D intensity on growth of SMEs: a dynamic panel data approach," Journal of Evolutionary Economics, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 97-128, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joevec:v:23:y:2013:i:1:p:97-128
    DOI: 10.1007/s00191-011-0258-9
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    Cited by:

    1. Olubunmi Ipinnaiye & Declan Dineen & Helena Lenihan, 2016. "Analysing the Drivers of Services Firm Performance: Evidence for Ireland," The Economic and Social Review, Economic and Social Studies, vol. 47(2), pages 213-245.
    2. Olubunmi Ipinnaiye & Declan Dineen & Helena Lenihan, 2017. "Drivers of SME performance: a holistic and multivariate approach," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 48(4), pages 883-911, April.
    3. TENG Joe K.L. & HU Jiayu & WU Dazhong & MIXON Phillip A. & DUAN Chaojie (CJ, 2016. "Determinants Of Research And Development Intensity From A Network Perspective," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 11(3), pages 129-139, December.
    4. Doina I. POPESCU & Sebastian - Ion CEPTUREANU & Eduard - Gabriel CEPTUREANU, 2017. "PECULIARITIES OF STRATEGY IN SMEs," Proceedings of the INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 11(1), pages 617-632, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Diversification; Growth; R&D intensity; SMEs; C23; L11; L25; L26;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • L11 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Production, Pricing, and Market Structure; Size Distribution of Firms
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship

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