Abstract:
This paper uses statistical evidence from a unique longitudinal data set for Australian firms to examine the use and impact of some major R&D and export facilitation programs from 1994-98. The programs examined included the EMDG (Export Market Development Grants) scheme, Export Access, Austrade services, ITES (International Trade Enhancement Scheme) (now discontinued), the R&D tax concession and R&D grants. The paper examines the attributes of firms that participate in government business programs, their patterns of use and the effects these programs have on their performance.