Background
Research and Development (R&D) involves the use of resources to create new knowledge and develop new or improved products and more economical methods of production. R&D is divided into two main aspects:
- Research: This segment is dedicated to the discovery of new knowledge.
- Development: This part focuses on applying new ideas to develop products ready for market production, including devising production methods and ensuring they are reliable and safe.
Historical Context
R&D has been a crucial component in economic development since the industrial revolution. The establishment of major research institutions, corporate laboratories, and increased government funding post-World War II marked significant milestones. The tripod symbiosis between academia, industry, and government funding forms the bedrock of R&D in contemporary settings.
Definitions and Concepts
R&D blends scientific research with practical application. Research focuses on understanding fundamental phenomena, while development turns research outputs into long-term economic benefits through innovation. In models of endogenous growth theory, R&D acts as a critical engine driving growth.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists focused less on R&D directly, though they acknowledged the significance of advancements and productivity improvements achieved through technological progress.
Neoclassical Economics
In neoclassical models, R&D is seen as a critical factor that improves productivity through the resultant technological progress and innovation.
Keynesian Economics
Keynesians recognize the importance of R&D in fostering demand-driven innovations which, in turn, bolster economic stability and growth.
Marxian Economics
Marxian theory critiques R&D within the capitalist model, seeing it as a tool for profit maximization and perpetuating capitalist dominance by leading to surplus labor exploitation.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists emphasize the role of institutions in shaping the incentives and frameworks for effective R&D. Legal systems, patents, and property rights are significant for fostering a conducive R&D environment.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics examines motivations and incentives behind R&D, including cognitive biases and risk tolerance of innovators and research institutions.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians stress the uncertainty and financial instability inherent in R&D, highlighting the risk investment and the role of government to stabilize and guide transformative innovative endeavors.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists focus on the entrepreneurial discovery process, viewing R&D as an intrinsic part of market dynamism where individual creativity drives economic expansion.
Development Economics
Experts in development economics study how R&D affects long-term development especially in developing nations and stress technology transfer, capacity building and localized R&D investments.
Monetarism
Monetarists highlight the role that stable monetary and fiscal environments play in fostering productive R&D investments, non-inflatory economic conditions encourage greater investment reliability in innovation.
Comparative Analysis
Comparative studies often examine cross-national R&D strategies and their impact on economic growth. Nations invest differently in R&D, leading to variations in innovation outcomes and economic trajectories. By analyzing disparate investment patterns, innovations in policy frameworks, and R&D outcomes, economists can provide nuanced interpretations.
Case Studies
- United States: Examines the era post-1980s globalization, focusing on military R&D’s spillover into consumer markets.
- Japan: Focuses on post-WWII R&D leading to economic recovery and technological leadership, leveraging MITI policies.
- China: Rapid scaling model through state-sponsored initiatives driving economic and technological development with branded manufacturing capacities.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Innovator’s Dilemma” by Clayton Christensen
- “Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital” by Carlota Perez
- “Endogenous Technical Change” by Paul M. Romer
Related Terms with Definitions
- Innovation: The implementation of novel ideas, processes, or products leading to increased productivity or higher quality outputs.
- Endogenous Growth Theory: Economic theory suggesting growth is primarily generated from within a system as a result of internal processes like technology improvements and innovation.
- Technological Spillover: The beneficial impact that technology and knowledge diffusions have from one firm or nation to another.
