SMEs performance and public support for international RJVs

Abstract

The objective of the present study is to analyse the impact of public support for international RJVs on SMEs performance considering two dimensions: technological and economic results. The investigation is also intended to examine the time pattern of this effect. For that purpose, we use a panel data set containing information about Spanish participants in research joint ventures supported by the SME-specific measures of the sixth Framework Programme. Empirical evidence corroborates a direct and positive impact on technological assets of participants. On the part of the economic indicators, EBITDA per employee and real sales are positively influenced by the improvement of technological background. The same results are found for productivity. All those effects are effective in the medium term, confirming that SMEs use to be involved in market-oriented R&D projects.