Wolfgang Becker, Jürgen Peters
Innovation Effects of Science-Related Technological Opportunities
Theoretical Considerations and Empirical Findings for
Firms in the German Manufacturing Industry
Abstract:
This paper investigates the innovation effects of science-related technological
opportunities. Against the background of theoretical considerations about
the interrelation of innovation and the adaptation of external (knowledge)
resources, the impacts of technological opportunities stemming from scientific
institutions on firms’ innovation input and output are empirically analyzed
for the German manufacturing industry. The investigations focus on the
question whether science-related technological opportunities are used as
complements or substitutes in the innovation process.
The estimations indicate complementary relationships between firms’
innovation input and technological opportunities stemming from scientific
institutions. The adaptation of science-related knowledge resources has
stimulating effects on the intensity of inhouse R&D. The results for
the innovation output effects are ambiguous. On the one hand, empirical
evidence for complementary impacts on the realisation of improved products
could be found. On the other hand, science-related technological opportunities
have no enhancing effects on the probability of realizing new products.
Obviously, knowledge from universities and research institutes stimulates
the development of new products more indirectly by increasing inhouse capacities
and enhancing R&D efficiency.
JEL: O31, I20, L20, L60
Paper:
Paper available as pdf-file.
Beitrag Nr. 226, Volkswirtschaftliche Diskussionsreihe, Institut für
Volkswirtschaftslehre der Universität Augsburg
Contact:
Wolfgang
Becker, University of Augsburg, Department of Economics, Universitätsstr.
16, D-86135 Augsburg, Phone +49-821-598-4200; Fax +49-821-598-4232
E-Mail: wolfgang.becker@wiwi.uni-augsburg.de
Jürgen Peters, Deutsche Bahn AG, Corporate Development, ZKE 3,
Holzmarkstr. 17, D-10179 Berlin, Phone: +49-30-29761-693
E-Mail: juergen.j.peters@bku.db.de
v.
K., 22.07.2002