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Research Joint Ventures: The Role of Financial Constraints

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  • Philipp Brunner
  • Igor Letina
  • Armin Schmutzler

Abstract

This paper provides a novel theory of research joint ventures for financially constrained firms. When firms choose R&D portfolios, an RJV can help to coordinate research efforts, reducing investments in duplicate projects. This can free up resources, increase the variety of pursued projects and thereby increase the probability of discovering the innovation. RJVs improve innovation outcomes when market competition is weak and external financing conditions are bad. An RJV may increase the innovation probability and nevertheless lower total R&D costs. RJVs that increase innovation also increase consumer surplus and tend to be profitable, but innovationreducing RJVs also exist. Finally, we compare RJVs to innovation-enhancing mergers.

Suggested Citation

  • Philipp Brunner & Igor Letina & Armin Schmutzler, 2022. "Research Joint Ventures: The Role of Financial Constraints," Diskussionsschriften dp2205, Universitaet Bern, Departement Volkswirtschaft.
    • Handle: RePEc:ube:dpvwib:dp2205
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    1. Brunner, Philipp & Letina, Igor & Schmutzler, Armin, 2024. "Research joint ventures: The role of financial constraints," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 165(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Innovation; Research Joint Ventures; Financial Constraints; Mergers; Intensity of Competition; Licensing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L13 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets
    • L24 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Contracting Out; Joint Ventures
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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