The Internationalization of Corporate R&D

THE INTERNATIONALIZATION OF CORPORATE R&Dbut also on the successful interaction of actors from research institutions, the businesssector and the public sector (the “triple helix”). Successful interaction cannot beachieved simply through creation of “bridging mechanisms” (such as technology transferoffices).As mentioned in Schwaag Serger & Widman (2005), SMEs face particular challengeswhen seeking to establish themselves in China. In addition to the difficulties of financingoperations in China and recruiting and retaining key personnel, SMEs facespecific challenges when it comes to protection of intellectual property rights. Currently,SMEs are underrepresented in Swedish companies’ R&D activities in China. Atthe same time, SMEs could contribute considerably to Sweden’s export base and internationalcompetitiveness, especially with regard to technologies and services.The government may consider establishing mechanisms for supporting SMEs withdefense of intellectual property rights in China, and in other countries. Governmentpolicies should be designed to stimulate R&D in SMEs and to increase SMEs’ role inbusiness sector R&D and international cooperation.259