Abstract
The pace of technological change, the increasing need for multi-disciplinary competences and the rising costs of innovation have contributed to the global expansion of technological activities, including the international outsourcing of research and development (R&D). This paper shows that firms involved in international outsourcing of R&D are of a particular kind: they are highly outward oriented, more productive and R&D intensive. Furthermore, firms with patents are more intensely involved in this activity. Our results also suggest that the outsourcing of R&D in global markets by French firms is motivated by technology sourcing rather than cost-saving interests.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | World Economy |
Early online date | 4 Jan 2016 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 4 Jan 2016 |