MULTINATIONAL ENTERPRISES AND THE INTERNALIZATION OF R&D: ARE THERE INTRA-FIRM R&D NETWORKS?

Abstract

Using patent data, this paper attempts to add empirical evidence to the study of the R&D internationalization, understanding and to understand the types of knowledge developed abroad by MNE, associating them to firm main characteristics. The gathering of the results seems to put in doubt the existence of an intra-firm network strictu sensu. Foreign technological efforts seem to be associated with three very important features: intemationalization of productive activity, technological diversification and duplication of competencies (tliat is, nonspecialization). It seems therefore that the internationalization of R&D activities is a consequence of the globalization of production and the need to adapt production to clients in a scenario where home markets lose their relative importance.