R&D DYNAMICS AND FIRM GROWTH: THE IMPORTANCE OF R&D PERSISTENCY IN THE ECONOMIC CRISIS

Abstract

There has been a lot of interest in R&D dynamics, including the persistency and volatility of R&D investment. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence supporting the impact of R&D dynamics on firm growth in the context of an economic crisis. This study examines the effects of R&D dynamics on firm growth during and after the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. Based on firm-level data, we construct a balanced panel for 1,137 firms in the global petrochemical industry. Our findings indicate that firms with R&D persistency show higher growth during and after the crisis, regardless of firm size. R&D persistency has a higher impact on firm growth in large firms than in smaller ones. In addition, R&D persistency has greater influence than the level of R&D investment. Firms should pursue non-cyclical and consistent R&D strategies with a long-term perspective, especially in high uncertainty conditions.