What kinds of R&D consortia enhance SMEs productivity? A hierarchical Bayesian approach for the analysis of a regional innovation policy

Abstract

Regional innovation policies often encourage the formation of R&D consortia between co‐localised small‐ and medium‐ sized firms (SMEs) and large companies, universities or other agents. We investigate the benefits in terms of labour productivity arising for SMEs from alternative configurations of such consortia. We focus on an Italian regional policy. Using a hierarchical Bayesian approach for inference, we find that consortia work better when they are vertical rather than horizontal, and when they match SMEs to large firms. On the contrary, neither the presence of a university nor that of an innovation intermediary is always associated with higher firms' productivity.

Emerging best strategies and capabilities for university–industry cooperation: opportunities for MSMEs and universities to improve collaboration. A literature review 2000–2023

“…In particular, universities are considered as the intellectual core of regional consortia (Arbo & Benneworth, 2007;Bramwell & Wolfe, 2008). In addition, much attention in the literature is paid to study of the peculiarities of specific research universities and the development of their relationships with enterprises (Belso-Martinez et al, 2013;Cirella & Murphy, 2022;Richter & Donnerberg, 2006), as well as analysis of regional and sectoral specifics of entrepreneurship at universities (Caloffi et al, 2015(Caloffi et al, , 2020Thomas & Maine, 2019).…”

Technology network and development trends of government-funded patents

“…Multiple forms of funding exist. For example, through the establishment of an R&D consortium between the government and industries (Caloffi et al , 2020; Nishimura and Okamuro, 2016), small and medium enterprises have access to a wider range of funding and R&D labor force. Government subsidies can stimulate corporate R&D expenditure and innovation initiatives (Caloffi et al , 2018; Silva et al , 2017).…”