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The Impact of R&D Investment On Productivity - New Evidence Using Linked R&D-LRD Data

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  • Frank R. Lichtenberg
  • Donald Siegel
Abstract
This paper uses confidential Census longitudinal microdata to examine the association between R&D and productivity for the period 1972.1985. These data allow for significant improvements in measurement and model specification, yielding more precise estimates of the returns to R&D. Our results confirm the findings of existing studies: 1) positive returns to R&D investment 2) higher returns to company-financed research 3) a productivity "premium" on basic research These results are robust to our attempts to adjust for "influential" outliers. Also, it appears that the return to company-financed R&D (but not total R&D) is an increasing function of firm size.

Suggested Citation

  • Frank R. Lichtenberg & Donald Siegel, 1989. "The Impact of R&D Investment On Productivity - New Evidence Using Linked R&D-LRD Data," NBER Working Papers 2901, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:2901
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. William D. Nordhaus, 1980. "Policy Responses to the Productivity Slowdown," Cowles Foundation Discussion Papers 555, Cowles Foundation for Research in Economics, Yale University.
    2. Zvi Griliches, 1998. "Productivity Growth and R&D at the Business Level: Results from the PIMS Data Base," NBER Chapters, in: R&D and Productivity: The Econometric Evidence, pages 134-156, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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