R&D network formation with myopic and farsighted firms

Abstract

We study the formation of R&D networks when firms can be either myopic or farsighted. Stability leads to R&D networks consisting of either asymmetric components or nearly symmetric components. Farsighted firms have in average more collaborations but myopic firms can be central for spreading the innovation. We introduce yes-firms that form links subject to the constraint of non-negative profits. Yes-firms stabilize R&D networks that maximize social welfare. Finally, the evolution of R&D networks shows that nearly symmetric R&D networks will be rapidly dismantled, socially optimal R&D networks will persist many periods, while asymmetric R&D networks will persist forever.