Corporate organization of R and D and the location of technological activities

Abstract

Malecki E. J. (1980) Corporate organization of R and D and the location of technological activities, Reg. Studies 14, 219–234. This paper examines in detail the role of R and D and technological innovation in corporate strategy and structure, focusing on the manner in which R and D is treated in corporate spatial organizations. Organizational and locational aspects of large, multilocational firms are a manifestation of strategies and priorities concerning product mix, technology and production. Of particular importance is the choice between centralized and decentralized R and D, both organizationally and locationally. The locations chosen by firms for technological activities have a major impact on the economic development of regional economies, through agglomeration and the creation and maintenance of a regional technology base. Three location types for R and D, headquarters, production sites and innovation centers, are verified empirically from the R and D sites of U.S. corporations.