'R&D and export performance: exploring heterogeneity along the export intensity distribution'

Abstract This study analyses the relationship between firm-level innovative effort as measured by R&D expenditures and export intensity. We apply quantile regression techniques to a sample of Italian firms verify whether expenditures’ effect varies along conditional distribution intensity, after controlling for censoring endogeneity issues. Empirical findings suggest that on intensity is positive taking most advantage from activity are in right tail (from 70th onwards), is, those exporting 50% their sales or more. Overall, results prove robust several specification checks not only firms’ efforts help explaining heterogeneity performance, but also its differs across ratio distribution. implies innovation policy measures might be more effective characterised relatively high intensive margin.