Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/50871 
Year of Publication: 
2006
Series/Report no.: 
KOF Working Papers No. 127
Publisher: 
ETH Zurich, KOF Swiss Economic Institute, Zurich
Abstract: 
Using the OLI paradigm as theoretical framework, we explain econometrically why a firm invests in foreign R&D (model A), and, if it does, which factors determine the level of foreign R&D expenditures (model B). It turns out that the pattern of explanation is quite similar for both types of decisions. In both cases, O- and I-advantages are the main drivers of foreign R&D, whereas L-disadvantages of the Swiss location do not play any role. A descriptive analysis of a series of motives of Swiss firms for performing R&D abroad shows that market-seeking is the most important motive. Knowledge-seeking and (human) resource-seeking are of intermediate importance as motives of foreign R&D, whereas efficiency-seeking objectives are hardly relevant. These results are fully in line with those of the econometric modelling. The findings of both approaches imply that foreign and domestic R&D are complements rather than substitutes. Asset exploiting is more prevalent as a strategy of foreign R&D than asset augmenting.
Subjects: 
Foreign R&D
Determinants of foreign R&D
Motives of foreign R&D
OLI paradigm
Asset augmenting
Asset exploiting
JEL: 
O30
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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