Determinants of grant decisions in R&D subsidy programmes: Evidence from firms and S & T organisations in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2017

Authors

Silva, AM (Author) Other; Silva, ST (Author) FEP; Anabela Carneiro (Author) FEP

Journal

Title: Science and Public Policy

Vol. 44

Pages: 683-697

ISSN: 0302-3427

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 11 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00N-4XP

DOI: 10.1093/scipol/scx002

Abstract (EN): While public intervention in Research and Development (R & D) is generally supported by economic theory and R & D subsidies are being implemented in most OECD countries, evidence on their effectiveness fails to reveal conclusive results. Exploring data from approved and rejected applicants to two R & D funding instruments in Portugal, we provide further evidence on R & D subsidy programmes directed to firms and S & T organisations, by identifying the determinants of grant decisions by the public agency. The results show that subsidies to firms are mainly aimed at large R & D projects by manufacturing firms, in both high- and low-technology sectors. Subsidies to S & T organisations show a higher degree of selectivity, targeting mainly universities and premium public research centres, and favouring R & D projects in exact sciences and engineering and cooperation projects. The subsidy allocation process in Portugal presents distinctive features in line with its status of an innovation follower country.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific