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

Three important developments underscore the internationalization of R&D since the early 1990s. First, MNCs from North America, Europe and Japan have increased their cross-border investments in R&D. Second, the roles played by the overseas R&D 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 R&D networks. This volume sheds light on the internationalization of R&D for research and technology management and international business scholars, industrial R&D 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 R&D, including investment motivation, location decision, R&D networks, and the management and organization of R&D.