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Determinants of R&D in knowledge-intensive business services firms

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  • David Doloreux
  • Richard Shearmur
  • Mercedes Rodriguez

Abstract

Research and development (R&D) is a key factor enabling firms to gather information, create knowledge and innovate. Although often seen as the preserve of goods-producing sectors, knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) in particular also engage in R&D. In this paper, we are interested in understanding the determinants of R&D in KIBS. We address this question by exploring factors connected to R&D in KIBS, with attention to whether it is connected with internal capabilities or to establishments' openness. We show that KIBS' R&D is associated with internal capabilities, and that recourse to external R&D is part of a strategy of openness that complements internal capacity. We also suggest that KIBS's own view of R&D is aligned with R&D in the goods-producing sector, leading establishments in non-technological KIBS sectors to under-report R&D.

Suggested Citation

  • David Doloreux & Richard Shearmur & Mercedes Rodriguez, 2016. "Determinants of R&D in knowledge-intensive business services firms," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(4), pages 391-405, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:ecinnt:v:25:y:2016:i:4:p:391-405
    DOI: 10.1080/10438599.2015.1067001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Alarcón, José Carlos & Aguilar, Rocio & Galán, Jose Luis, 2019. "Determinants of innovation output in Spanish knowledge-intensive service firms: Stability analysis throughout the economic crisis of 2008," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 228-244.
    2. Smol, Marzena & Kulczycka, Joanna, 2019. "Towards innovations development in the European raw material sector by evolution of the knowledge triangle," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 453-462.
    3. Rodriguez, Mercedes & Doloreux, David & Shearmur, Richard, 2017. "Variety in external knowledge sourcing and innovation novelty: Evidence from the KIBS sector in Spain," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 68(C), pages 35-43.
    4. David Doloreux & Ekaterina Turkina & Ari Van Assche, 2019. "Innovation type and external knowledge search strategies in KIBS: evidence from Canada," Service Business, Springer;Pan-Pacific Business Association, vol. 13(3), pages 509-530, September.
    5. Víctor Gómez-Valenzuela, 2022. "Intellectual capital factors at work in Dominican firms: understanding their influence," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-24, December.
    6. Nuttaneeya (Ann) Torugsa & Anthony Arundel & Paul L. Robertson, 2018. "Applying Configurational Thinking To Identify Recipes For Producing Service Innovations In The Service Sector," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 22(06), pages 1-23, August.
    7. Anna Lewandowska & Herman Cherniaiev, 2022. "R&D Cooperation and Investments concerning Sustainable Business Innovation: Empirical Evidence from Polish SMEs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-16, August.

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