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Market Power, Industrial Concentration and Innovative Activity

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Abstract

This paper discusses the paradox between the positive effect of industrial concentration on R & D spending, and its non-positive effect on the number of innovations. Also, I analyze whether concentration has different effects on small- and large-firm R & D. The analysis shows that the positive effect of industrial concentration on R & D spending is at least as strong for small firms as it is for large firms within an industry, which indicates that the possession of market power is not in itself conducive to innovative effort. In addition, high concentration appears to be attended with a loss of efficiency in R & D spending.

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Vossen, R.W. Market Power, Industrial Concentration and Innovative Activity. Review of Industrial Organization 15, 367–378 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007727815408

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1007727815408

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