Internationalization of Research and Development and the Emergence of Global R and D Networks

Three important developments underscore the internationalization of RandD since the early 1990s. First, MNCs from North America, Europe and Japan have increased their cross-border investments in RandD. Second, the roles played by the overseas RandD facilities of these MNCs have evolved from primarily acting as "technology transfer agents from the parent company to the host country" to that of a "resource for the development of technologies for the local, regional, and world markets." Third, MNCs are beginning to integrate their research activities on a global scale and a number of MNCs have established global RandD networks. This volume sheds light on the internationalization of RandD for research and technology management and international business scholars, industrial RandD practitioners, and government policymakers. Drawing on contributions from North American, European, and Japanese researchers, the volume addresses the above-mentioned three key developments and related topics on the internationalization of RandD, including investment motivation, location decision, RandD networks, and the management and organization of RandD.…