In February 2005 the Industry Research and Development Board (now the Board of Innovation Australia) completed a study of 25 firms participating in the Australian Government’s R&D Start and Biotechnology Innovation Fund programs. These firms had either been sold to or merged with foreign companies; established an overseas holding company or headquarters; or sold or transferred IP to an overseas company.
The key message that emerged from the research was that: Innovative SMEs which are established in countries with small markets, such as Australia, will generally seek to take their novel product, process or service to the global market. This is done via a number of mechanisms, including offshore sale or establishment of a holding company.
To view the study click on the link below.