A model of R&D cost sharing between a manufacturer and its component supplier is examined. The manufacturer can pay for a fraction of the supplier's cost-reducing R&D in return for a lower component price, and both firms can improve profits.

In this paper we examine the role of policy when forming a R&D joint venture is costly. Contrary to previous studies, we document an active role for public policy, since the interests of firms are not necessarily aligned with societal interests. The nature of policy, however, depends on the...