European collaboration in research and development. Business strategy and public policy

Abstract:

This work presents a study of cooperative research and development in Europe. It is organised in two parts: the first part deals with the theory and practice of collaboration in R&D, focusing on European Research Joint Ventures (RJVs), while the second part examines policy.

Following an introduction, chapter two addresses the theory of RJVs as it appears in the economics and business management literature. The databases of EU RJV and EUREKA RJV inform the discussion on the main trends of European RJVs in chapter three. The strategic considerations of European firms towards RJVs and the anticipated tangible and intangible returns are the focus of chapter four. The effects of cooperation, the role of subsidies and the factors enabling or constraining the formation and evolution of R&D cooperation are considered in chapter five in the context of evidence drawn from more than 500 companies in seven EU Member States. Chapter six presents a summary of empirical work and results carried out by consortium partners on RJV formation, RJV performance and on the impact of RJVs on industries and regional economies. Chapter seven presents a summary of the analytical section.

Part two opens with a chapter on European Union science and technology policy, RJV collaboration and competition policy. This is followed by individual chapters on the relevant policies of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain and the USA. Chapter fourteen presents a summary of the common policy elements in these countries. The overall summary of the work is given in chapter fifteen which offers some signposts as to the way ahead.

The book will interest scholars, students, government agencies and European institutions involved in science and technology.

Yannis Caloghirou is Assistant Professor of Industrial Economics and Business Strategy, Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, National Technical University of Athens, Greece. Nicholas S. Vonortas is Director of the Center for International Science and Technology Policy, Elliott School of International Affairs and Associate Professor of Economics and International Affairs, George Washington University, Washington, DC. Stavros Ioannides is Associate Professor of Economics, Department of Political Science and History, Panteion University, Athens, Greece.

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