Size and Persistence of R&D performance in Canadian firms

Data from the Research and Development in Canadian Industry Survey reveal that between 1994 and 2002 - 31,190 enterprises undertook research and development (R&D) activities for at least one year. However, only 5% (1,699) can be considered persistent R&D performers, appearing on the R&D in Canadian Industry database for nine years. It appears that the size of the R&D expenditure groups that firms belong to influences their level of persistence in R&D performance. This article investigates that premise.