Heterogeneity in R&D collaboration: An empirical investigation

•Potential simultaneity and heterogeneity in R&D collaboration.•Multivariate probit specification for systematic correlations among different cooperation choices.•The four cooperation decisions are interdependent.•Decision to cooperate in R&D differs significantly depending on the cooperation options.

This work explores the roles of potential simultaneity and heterogeneity in determining firms’ decisions to engage in R&D collaboration, using a sample of Italian manufacturing firms. Collaboration with other firms, research institutions, universities and other small centres are considered jointly by applying a multivariate probit specification. This allows for systematic correlations among different cooperation choices. The results support the hypothesis that the four cooperation decisions are interdependent. The decision to cooperate in R&D differs significantly depending on the cooperation options. Public support, the researcher intensity and the size are all of importance in determining R&D collaboration strategies.