Investment decision and the spatial dimension : Evidence from firm level data

This paper proposes to investigate the effect of spillovers on location decision of firms. We develop an analysis merging the geographer toolbox with the standard econometric techniques. For a chosen sample of sectors, through the spatial data analysis, we test the existence of positive spatial autocorrelation for R&D investments that lead R&D expenditure to cluster. Moreover, we succeed in detecting how far the local environment may influence the firm decisions in R&D investments. Data confirm tha tthe proximity to other firms investing in R&D may produce positive externalities. Finally, the diversity vs. specialization debate is tackled.