The Relationship between R & D Activities, Technology Import Spill-Over and Firm Performance-An Empirical Study from Manufacturing in Shanghai

This study analyzed the impact of R & D and technology import on the firm performance in Shanghai. We considered R & D and technology spill-over as heterogeneous treatments and considered an econometric matching, taking a possible selection bias into account. Our results suggested that, compared with companies without any treatment, firms that received either or both of the treatments yield positive effects. Technology import spill-over influenced the firm's profit and firm's labor productivity more significantly while R & D was more important in improving firm's TFP. It indicated that the positive effects induced by spillovers in technology trade and R & D activities should be fully utilized by most domestic companies in Shanghai.