Heterogeneity in R&D collaboration: An empirical investigation

This work explores the roles of potential simultaneity and heterogeneity in determining
firms’ decisions to engage in R&D collaboration, using a sample of Italian manufacturing
firms. Collaboration with other firms, research institutions, universities and other small
centres are considered jointly by applying a multivariate probit specification. This allows
for systematic correlations among different cooperation choices. The results support the
hypothesis that the four cooperation decisions are interdependent. The decision to cooperate
in R&D differs significantly depending on the cooperation options. Public support, the
researcher intensity and the size are all of importance in determining R&D collaboration
strategies.