Title: The role of competitive pressure in R&D cooperation: evidence from immature markets

Authors: Juha J. Hinkkanen; Markus Jääskeläinen; Juha Väätänen

Addresses: Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland ' Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: Competition has been regarded as a cornerstone behind innovativeness, but the relationship between competition and R&D cooperation has been overlooked. We study the topic in the context of the emerging economy of Russia. The findings are based on an analysis of countries' competitiveness rankings and on a survey of 206 Russian firms and their innovation activities. On the basis of the results, the source of competition is important when looking at an R&D cooperation process and its results. Firms tend not to employ international R&D cooperation before they are confronted by international competition. After confronting international competition, it shows across the whole R&D cooperation process and the company's perception of its success. We conclude that in immature markets it is crucially important to increase the level of international competition in order to improve the organisational capabilities and skills needed in R&D cooperation.

Keywords: international competition; R&D cooperation; innovation; Russia; competitive pressure; emerging economies; research cooperation; research and development; research capabilities; organisational skills; organisational capabilities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBIR.2013.056168

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2013 Vol.7 No.5, pp.619 - 636

Published online: 27 Dec 2013 *

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