Using total factor productivity as a measure of corporate performance, we find that Italian family‐run firms are less productive than firms run by outside managers and the result is robust to potential endogeneity of management regime. This difference tends to vanish when the age of the firms is taken into account. Also, when considering family‐owned firms only, there is no difference in performance between outside managers and family managers.

This article focuses on the relationship between external research and development (R&D) and firm innovation output. Using a sample of Italian manufacturing firms in the period of 2007-2009, the role played by external R&D is evaluated, investigating differences between family and non-family firms. Results show that the R&D acquired from external sources has a positive impact, especially on family firms, suggesting that family companies have a greater capacity to translate external R&D into tangible economic benefits. This result is consistent with those obtained when we consider the combination of internal and external R&D, as well as the family involvement in governance and management.

This paper explores whether family and non-family firms differ in terms of their capability to introduce green patenting. By considering the environmental performance as a corporate social responsibility related concern, the analysis is based on a large data set of patenting activities carried out by Italian manufacturing firms over the period 2009-2017. Results show that family firms are less likely than non-family firms to implement innovations in green technologies. This holds true whatever the level of accumulation in green and non-green knowledge.

This paper estimates the impact of R&D investments on the productivity of European family firms. For the period 2007-2009, we consider a Cobb-Douglas production function augmented by R&D intensity. Specifically, we address the questions of whether the R&D returns of family firms differ from that of non-family firms. Final outcomes suggest that, on average, non-family firms conducting R&D record a productivity gain of about 5-8 % compared to non-innovative firms. Additionally, the innovative family firms are about 6% lower compared to innovative non-family firms. Finally, the rate of return to R&D of family firms is lower than non-family firms. JEL codes: O30; L60; G34

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