Internationalization of research and development: Trends, patterns, and the evidence

This paper reviews the prior literature examining the trends and patterns of R&D internationalization. Empirical evidence shows that the extent of R&D internationalization has been intensifying over the last three decades in quantitative and qualitative terms. Literature shows that broad differences exist in the level of R&D internationalization amongst MNEs with various countries of origin and industries. Though the developed countries host most of the world´s international R&D activities, there has been an upsurge for MNEs to carry out an increasing amount of R&D investments in emerging economies, especially in Asia.