The relation between R&D spending and patents: The moderating effect of collaboration networks

Firms collaborate with partners around the world to facilitate knowledge exchanges that, combined with their internal R&D, may enhance patenting activities. However, the location and types of these networks condition the benefits companies gain from their collaborations. Hence, how do different geographical collaboration networks affect the relation between R&D spending and patents? This empirical study, based on a sample of 3101 Spanish firms, suggests that firms that invest in R&D and join national or regional collaboration networks show a stronger patenting propensity than companies that do not join these networks. However, engaging in more international collaborations has no significant effect.