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Knowledge-related competitiveness and the roles of multinationals’ R&D in a peripheral European economy: Survey analysis of Greece

Author

Listed:
  • Dimitris Manolopoulos

    (American College of Greece)

  • Marina Papanastassiou

    (Copenhagen Business School
    University of Reading Business School
    University of Cambridge)

  • Robert Pearce

    (University of Reading Business School)

Abstract

Abstract and Key Results The paper analyses survey evidence on foreign firms’ R&D in Greece, in the light of recently derived perceptions of decentralisation of knowledge-related activities in MNEs’ strategic programmes. We investigate various aspects of MNEs’ knowledge-related competitiveness in an intermediate-level economy. We examine the nature, extent and influences of R&D positioning. We also test empirically the relationship between subsidiaries’ strategic motivations and the different roles allocated to R&D departments. In the main, the results meet expectations for a middle-income peripheral European economy. Original development work is at significant levels. However, adaptation of existing technologies to local conditions is still the primary aim of R&D in MNE subsidiaries in Greece. There are clear signs of integration/interdependence of work in R&D labs with other parts of MNE networks. The survey evidence also confirms that subsidiaries’ roles are a decisive factor determining the type of overseas labs.

Suggested Citation

  • Dimitris Manolopoulos & Marina Papanastassiou & Robert Pearce, 2007. "Knowledge-related competitiveness and the roles of multinationals’ R&D in a peripheral European economy: Survey analysis of Greece," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 47(5), pages 661-682, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:manint:v:47:y:2007:i:5:d:10.1007_s11575-007-0039-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11575-007-0039-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Dimitris Manolopoulos & Pavlos Dimitratos & Stephen Young & Spyros Lioukas, 2009. "Technology Sourcing and Performance of Foreign Subsidiaries in Greece: The Impact of MNE and Local Environmental Contexts," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 43-60, February.
    2. Jens Gammelgaard & Frank McDonald & Heinz Tüselmann & Christoph Dörrenbächer & Andreas Stephan, 2009. "Subsidiary Role and Skilled Labour Effects in Small Developed Countries," Management International Review, Springer, vol. 49(1), pages 27-42, February.

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