Title: Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in internationally operating R&D networks: recent findings and trends

Authors: B. Michael Gilroy, Melanie Baier, Elmar Lukas

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, D-33098 Paderborn, Germany. ' University of Paderborn, C-LAB, Fuerstenallee 11, D-33102 Paderborn, Germany. ' Department of Economics, University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, D-33098 Paderborn, Germany

Abstract: Much research has been dedicated to R&D within cooperations and networks. However, little is known about the role of Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in R&D networks in international settings. Although the relevance of SMEs as a source of innovation in international cooperations is generally confirmed in the literature, it is assumed that the inherent challenges SMEs have to cope with in such a setting are worth having a closer look at. Traditionally, SMEs are concerned with R&D processes, which are to a large extent defined by the conditions of locally operating partners. However, R&D which is conducted in an international setting is bound to have different requirements. Thus, it is regarded as very promising to examine how SMEs act at the interface of a local and global involvement. The paper seeks to identify the recent trends and challenges SMEs are confronted with in globally operating R&D networks.

Keywords: small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; internationalisation; R&D networks; multinational enterprises; MNEs; research and development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2008.017293

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2008 Vol.2 No.3, pp.325 - 341

Published online: 22 Feb 2008 *

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