.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Return
Cumulative versus punctuated patterns of R&D learning, productivity and R&D persistence
.png){kind=icon}
OA
AI
J
J
A
DOI：10.1007/s11187-026-01235-2.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
Share.png){kind=icon}
Save
Abstract
En 中文
This paper analyses how R&D persistence is affected both by direct learning determinants and indirect determinants through enhanced productivity. Advancing previous research, we allow for three distinct forms of R&D experience through which learning occurs: the firm’s current within-spell learning; learning derived from the firm’s cumulative R&D experience; and the potential detrimental effect of punctuated learning, where a firm’s cumulative R&D experience is divided into multiple R&D spells. Our findings suggest markedly different learning processes depending on firm size and technology. Small and large firms, and firms operating in low and med-tech sectors benefit from cumulative previous R&D but medium-sized and high-tech firms do not. However, a history of fragmented or intermittent R&D is negatively associated with R&D persistence for all firm sizes, but not for low-tech firms. While cumulative R&D experience improves productivity for all firms, there is evidence of an indirect (productivity) association of R&D experience on subsequent R&D persistence only for SMEs and low-tech firms. This paper analyses how R&D persistence is affected for three distinct forms of R&D experience: the firm’s current within-spell learning; learning derived from the firm’s cumulative R&D experience; and the potential detrimental effect of punctuated learning, where a firm’s cumulative R&D experience is divided into multiple R&D spells. While SMEs are typically considered to be a homogeneous group, we find significant differences between them in the determinants of R&D persistence. For small firms, the length of the current R&D spell does not matter while cumulative previous R&D experience does matter. For medium-sized firms, it is precisely the reverse, suggesting the need for differentiated policy responses within SMEs. Subsidies may be more effective for small firms which do not depend on lengthy recent R&D spells in order to achieve persistence in the future, while tax credits might be more efficient for medium-sized enterprises where recent continuous R&D activity is more important for persistence.
Keywords:
R&D persistence
Cumulative and punctuated learning
Productivity
AI Summary
Key information extracted from the uploaded paper, including a brief overview, abstract, background, key highlights, visual analysis, and future outlook.
Journal
IF:
4.8
Papers:
3.5K
Citations:
1.5W
Organization
Cited Papers