WYBRANE ZAGADNIENIA WSPÓŁPRACY BADAWCZO-ROZWOJOWEJ PRZEDSIĘBIORSTW W UJĘCIU EKONOMII GAŁĘZIOWEJ
SELECTED PROBLEMS OF INTERFIRM R&D COOPERATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION LITERATURE

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this paper is to analyze selected problems of interfirm R&D cooperation discussed in the industrial organization literature. The following interrelated problems are analyzed: (i) stability of interfirm R&D cooperation, (ii) organization of interfirm R&D cooperation, (iii) asymmetries between cooperating firms, and (iv) the impact of interfirm R&D cooperation on industry cartelization. Based on the reviewed literature, it can be concluded that in order to benefit from interfirm R&D cooperation it is necessary (1) to solve successfully the free-rider problem arising in the process of knowledge sharing between collaborating firms, and (2) to maintain a stable cooperation. However, too low or too high values of asymmetries among cooperating firms could be the major obstacles to a stable R&D cooperation. An effective stabilization of interfirm R&D cooperation can be achieved by, e.g., licensing of know-how, intensification of knowledge sharing between cooperating firms and various organizational forms of R&D cooperation (research joint-ventures and R&D cartels). From the social welfare perspective, it should also be noted that a closer interfirm cooperation at the R&D stage can result in the cartelization of the entire industry.

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