Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/109940 
Year of Publication: 
2015
Series/Report no.: 
Economics Discussion Papers No. 2015-29
Publisher: 
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Kiel
Abstract: 
In this paper the authors conduct a meta-analysis to examine the link between R&D spending and economic growth in the EU and other regions. The results suggest that the growth-enhancing effect of R&D in the EU15 countries does not differ from that in other countries in general, but it is less significant than that for other industrialized countries. A closer inspection of the data reveals that the weak results for the EU15 stem from comparisons with the US - the US has been able to generate a stronger growth response from its R&D spending. Possible explanations for the US advantage include higher private sector investment in R&D and stronger public-private sector linkages than in the EU. Hence, to reduce the "innovation gap" vis-à-vis the US, it may not be enough for the EU to raise the share of R&D expenditures in GDP: continuous improvements in the European innovation system will also be needed, with focus on areas like private sector R&D and public-private sector linkages.
Subjects: 
meta-analysis
R&D
European Union
EU15
USA
economic growth
JEL: 
F43
O51
O52
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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