Strategic Exports and R&D with Internationally Mobile Skilled Labor and Exchange Rate Volatility

This paper extends the Spencer and Brander (1983) model of strategic exports and R&D by introducing exchange rate volatility and R&D activities that require internationally mobile skilled labor. We find that an increased volatility reduces both the levels of optimal export subsidy and R&D tax. We also find that the endogeneity of skilled wage increases the level of export subsidy and reduces the level of R&D tax if the country is an exporter of skilled labor. Copyright © 2006 The Authors; Journal compilation © 2006 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.