Beyond Borders: Internationalisation of R&D and Policy Implications for Small Open Economies

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is common sense that science, technology and innovation will be of increasing importance to the well being of all. Nobody can turn a blind eye to the penetrating ways progress in communication technologies, new materials and biotechnology revolutionize our lives. Although the conversion of science and technology into marketable products that cover societal needs is largely a matter of the private sector, the public sector has its role to play. European integration and liberalization promote the interaction of various actors in science and technology. Also the perceived arrears with the United States and Japan has prompted the European Union to step up their R&D spending to reach 3 per cent of gross domestic product by 2010.Individual Member States have taken concrete measures to promote their R&D, and Belgium is one of them. But there is a long and bumpy way to go still because of the slow growth rate the economies are currently experiencing and the tied budgetary constraints policy makers are confronted with. In the face of this, it has to be acknowledged that many differences exist between countries. Differences are part and parcel of the internationalization process and, within it, small open economies are confronted with specific opportunities and problems of their own. This volume aims at informing and stimulating the debate on policy issues relating to science, technology and innovation. For those not acquainted with the subject it offers an introduction to the pallet of issues that play a role in the current state of affairs. Others might find the guidelines to policy more instructive. It is by no means the final word on the subject.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1. The internationalisation of R&D in small open economies: spillovers, collaborations and patented knowledge (A. Spithoven, P. Teirlinck). Chapter 2. The impact of foreign investment on productivity and technology in belgium (K. de Backer, L. Sleuwaegen). Chapter 3. The impact of globalisation of businesses on national R& mp;D support (M. Sileghem, J. Slow, L. van de Loock). Chapter 4. Regulatory framework regarding ownership of inventions conceived at universities (M.-C. Janssens).Chapter 5. Legal environments and first international market entries: evidence on the internationalisation of new technology-based firms in three European countries (R. Coeurderoy, G. Murray). Chapter 6. Growth of high-tech start-ups: an international perspective (B. Clarysse, J. Bruneel). Chapter 7. A cross-country comparison of innovation: the role of human capital and social capital (D. de Clercq, M. Dakhli). Chapter 8. Brain drain, brain gain and brain exchange: the role of MNES in a small open economy (M. Cincera). Chapter 9. Location and agglomeration of foreign R&D activities in a small open economy (P. Teirlinck). Chapter 10. Capturing value from radical innovation: managing international partnerships (E. van de Velde, B. Clarysse).Chapter 11. Internatio-nalisation of innovation in a small open economy: exploring the role of ownership structure on performances and R&D collaboration (A. Spithoven). Chapter 12. The commitment of Belgian teams to European S&T cooperative agreements (H. Capron, M. Cincera). Chapter 13. International knowledge flows from and into a small open economy: patent citation analysis (R. Lukach, J. Plasmans). Chapter 14. The internationalisation of the production of technology: a more complete picture for belgium (M. Cincera, B. van Pottelsberghe de la Potterie, R. Veugelers). Chapter 15. Turning facts into policy: implications of the internationalisation of R&D for small open economies (A. Spithoven, P. Teirlinck).