Research and development activities by SMEs: a regional comparison (the West Midlands and the North East of England)

Abstract

This study provides an analysis of two regional samples on R&D activities in manufacturing small and medium‐size firms in the UK. The results show that there are statistically significant regional differences between the North East and the West Midlands (χr2 of 11.8 s.s. at p < .01), where the North East SMEs seem to engage less in R&D activities. The results may be of some interest to the relevant R&D funding bodies.

R&D Activities In a Peripheral Region: an Empirical Study with Special Reference to the North East Region of the UK

“…METHODOLOGYFor the purpose of this study R&D activity is defined to include all expenditures, carried out by privately owned firms, on product/process development, basic research activities and staff training(Adamson and Seddighi, 2000). A number of previous studies (e.g Pavitt et al, 1987;Kleinknecht, 1987).…”