R & D and Internationalization: effect on the performance of SMEs
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to study the impact of research and development activities on the performance of SMEs operating in non-high-tech sectors. At the same time, this study also investigates the impact produced by internationalization on research and development activities and performance. This choice is driven by the fact that there are several studies focusing on large companies and high-tech companies, while only a few scholars have addressed this topic for non-high-tech SMEs. A sample of Italian companies was chosen to develop the survey. The companies interviewed were obtained from the Amadeus database, in accordance with the definition of SMEs of the European Commission. From all the population, we extracted a probabilistic sample based on stratified random sampling design. Data collection and information was carried out through a questionnaire. The use of this tool has made it possible to collect updated information on research and development, innovation, internationalization and other general aspects useful for research purposes. The results show that non-high-tech SMEs that invest in research and development get performance benefits up to an optimal level of investment. In addition, the results suggest that internationalization can increase performance.
Keywords: Innovation, R&D, Internationalization, Performance, SMEs.
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