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Patents as quality signals? The implications for financing constraints on R&D

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  • Hottenrott, Hanna
  • Hall, Bronwyn H
  • Czarnitzki, Dirk

Abstract

Information about the success of a new technology is usually held asymmetrically between the research and development (R&D)-performing firm and potential lenders and investors. This raises the cost of capital for financing R&D externally, resulting in financing constraints on R&D, especially for firms with limited internal resources. Previous literature provided evidence for start-up firms on the role of patents as signals to investors, in particular to Venture Capitalists. This study adds to previous insights by studying the effects of firms’ patenting activity on the degree of financing constraints on R&D for a panel of established firms. The results show that patents do indeed attenuate financing constraints for small firms where information asymmetries may be particularly high and collateral value is low. Larger firms are not only less subject to financing constraints, but also do not seem to benefit from a patent quality signal.

Suggested Citation

  • Hottenrott, Hanna & Hall, Bronwyn H & Czarnitzki, Dirk, 2016. "Patents as quality signals? The implications for financing constraints on R&D," Department of Economics, Working Paper Series qt4cr497qv, Department of Economics, Institute for Business and Economic Research, UC Berkeley.
    • Handle: RePEc:cdl:econwp:qt4cr497qv
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    patents; quality signal; research and development; financial constraints; innovation policy; Patents; Quality Signal; Research and Development; Financial Constraints; Innovation Policy; Applied Economics; Economics;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy

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