Towards a better understanding of the role and dynamics of corporate R&D

New analytical approaches and empirical evidence continue to shed light on the issue of corporate R&D. The papers in this special issue, which were originally presented at the conference Role and Dynamics of Corporate R&D (Seville, 8-9 October 2007), offer a sample of such approaches and evidence. They cover a number of issues ranging from the effects of mergers and acquisition in technology sourcing to the internationalisation of R&D collaboration in Europe. Other papers presented at the conference hinted at future directions of research, such as a 'cost and benefits' view of R&D investments and the role of R&D in boosting 'absorptive capacity'. However, further research is still needed into issues such as the quality of R&D, the importance of exogenous drivers, the precise nature of 'spillovers' and the impact of government policies.