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Debt or equity? Financial impacts of R&D support across firm demographics

    Byunggeor Moon Affiliation

Abstract

This study utilizes data from Korea’s Research and Development (R&D) grant program to examine the impact of receiving an R&D grant on a firm’s ability to obtain external financing, taking into account the heterogeneous effects based on firm size and characteristics. By employing the propensity score matching method, we establish the causal effect of R&D support on financing and discover that R&D grants have differential effects on debt and equity financing. Our findings indicate that larger firms are more likely to acquire subsequent debt financing, whereas small firms that receive R&D grants exhibit an increased likelihood of securing equity financing, particularly among young firms. Furthermore, we identify a certification effect of R&D grants, implying that such grants may serve as indicators of the potential success of small, young firms in the market. Collectively, this study illuminates the role of R&D grants in firms’ financing decisions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and firms seeking to secure external financing.


First published online 12 December 2024

Keyword : debt financing, equity financing, public support

How to Cite
Moon, B. (2024). Debt or equity? Financial impacts of R&D support across firm demographics. Technological and Economic Development of Economy, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.3846/tede.2024.20105
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Dec 12, 2024
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