How remote are R&D labs? Distance factors and international innovative activities

This paper shows that value creation by multinational enterprises (MNEs) is the result of activities where geographic distance effects can be overcome. We submit that geographic distance has a relatively low impact on international research and development (R&D) investments, owing to the spiky nature of innovation, and to the unique ability of MNEs to absorb and transfer knowledge on a global scale. On the one hand, MNEs need to set up their labs as close as possible to specialized technology clusters where valuable knowledge is concentrated, largely regardless of distance from their home base. On the other, MNEs have historically developed technical and organizational competencies that enable them to transfer knowledge within their internal networks and across technology clusters at relatively low cost. Using data on R&D and manufacturing investments of 6320 firms in 59 countries, we find that geographic distance has a lower negative impact on the probability of setting up R&D than manufacturing plants. Furthermore, once measures of institutional proximity are accounted for, MNEs are equally likely to set up R&D labs in nearby or in more remote locations. This result is driven by MNEs based in Triad countries, whereas for non-Triad MNEs the effect of geographic distance on cross-border R&D is negative and significant.

Report on the coordination of international statistical activities in the area of the environment

Includes bibliography.

Proposed guidelines for the biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities, 2007-2009

Includes bibliography

Draft biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities of the Statistical Conference of the Americas of ECLAC, 2007-2009

Includes bibliography

Biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities of the statistical conference of the Americas of ECLAC, 2007-2009

Includes bibliography

Progress report on the biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities of the Statistical Conference of the Americas of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), 2007-2009

Includes bibliography

Report on the implementation of the 2009-2011 biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities of the Statistical Conference of the Americas of ECLAC

Incluye Bibliografía

Draft biennial programme of regional and international cooperation activities of the Statistical Conference of the Americas, 2012-2013

Incluye Bibliografía