We investigate if and to what extent the receipt of a “selective” public subsidy - a public subsidy awarded through a competitive procedure - acts as a quality signal and helps new technology-based firms (NTBFs) to access R&D alliances. In particular, we theoretically enquire and empirically...

In the attempt to boost innovation, policy-makers have enacted a myriad of programs targeting innovative start-ups in recent years. Empirical evidence on these initiatives has almost exclusively focused on national-level programs, overlooking those implemented at the local level. This paper...