The Role of Absorptive Capacity in R&D Firms’ Location Choice

Authors : Büşra Akın, Ümit K. Seyfettinoğlu

Pages : 131-158

Doi:10.17233/sosyoekonomi.2025.02.06

View : 91 | Download : 52

Publication Date : 2025-04-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study investigates the location choice behaviour of firms engaged in R&D activities in Türkiye. The primary objective is to analyse the effect of firm absorptive capacity on location choice. The empirical analysis is based on a firm-oriented approach, considering location as a source of knowledge-based competitive advantage. The TurkStat Research and Development Activities Survey (2019) Micro Data Set is the primary data source. The cross-sectional data set, created for 2019, includes data on 5,871 firms in the Micro Data Set. The geographical scope of the sample is NUTS Level 1 regions, where the headquarters of the R&D firm is located. The estimation method is the Nested Logit model. Results indicate that R&D firms in Türkiye tend to be located in regions with intense knowledge spillovers and favourable demand conditions. This results in an uneven distribution of R&D firms across regions. It is clear from the study\\\'s evidence that policymakers should consider the unique competencies and objectives of firms and regions in designing regional development and industrial policies.
Keywords : Yerleşim Seçimi, Firma Yerleşimi, Özümseme Kapasitesi, Ar-Ge, Bölgesel Kalkınma

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