Public Policies Towards Research Joint Venture Formation: Designs and Outcomes

Abstract

We use a large firm-level data-set on Research Joint Ventures (RJVs) formed under the umbrella of the Eureka and European Union's Framework Programmes for Science and Technology (EU-FP). Based on the results presented in Hernan, Marin, and Siotis (2003), we focus on firms that are known to have a high probability of forming RJVs, with the latter identified as firms with a previous experience with collaborative research. This allows us to gain insights regarding the influence of the programmes' institutional design on the process of RJV formation. The findings pertaining to EU-FP RJVs are consistent with a 'top-down' and 'mission oriented' research policy. By contrast, Eureka RJVs appear as more market driven and 'bottom-up'.

Keywords: Research joint ventures, spillovers, R&D, Eureka, EU framework programme

JEL Classification: C25, L13, O31