Research of potential locations for an R&D department
Oreshenkova, Maria (2023)
Oreshenkova, Maria
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121838043
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121838043
Tiivistelmä
A Finnish tech company was looking into ways to increase expertise and capabilities of the R&D department. Since the labor pool in Finland was found to be potentially insufficient for the expansion plan, the company has decided to explore international labor markets. The aim of the research was to identify and analyze potential locations within Europe that would help to satisfy the company’s need for qualified personnel.
The research framework implemented in this work is based on theoretical literature about determinants for internalization of R&D companies, the forces impacting a decision to internationalize, and an overview of internalization strategies that consequently have impact on localization approach.
As the purpose was to find a practical solution to a problem through application of existing theoretical materials, a case study approach was chosen for this research. The method of data collection used in the thesis is qualitative. The data was gathered through content analysis of information obtained from written online sources as well as from the conducted semi-structured interviews. The interviewees were the selected representatives of organizations involved in business development in potential locations that were considered in this research.
Three locations were compared during this research. Two of them correspond the most to the company’s selection criteria, Villigen in Switzerland, and Berlin in Germany. Additionally, Jena in Germany was chosen by the researcher because preceding the research, this city was thought of being potentially suitable. Their comparison has shown that Villigen has the most favorable business environment and the highest quality of life. Specialists from around the globe come to work at the center of excellence situated in the city, contributing to the labor pool in the area. The residents of Zurich canton were also included in the consideration since the two cities are in driving proximity to each other making it easy to commute. Travelling between Espoo and Villigen is fast and easy facilitating potential cooperation between members of the R&D department in Finland and Switzerland. The focus of the thesis was on the comparison of the above-mentioned locations. Detailed research of the aspects that were not considered in this work is advisable prior to the establishment of the company’s R&D office.
The research framework implemented in this work is based on theoretical literature about determinants for internalization of R&D companies, the forces impacting a decision to internationalize, and an overview of internalization strategies that consequently have impact on localization approach.
As the purpose was to find a practical solution to a problem through application of existing theoretical materials, a case study approach was chosen for this research. The method of data collection used in the thesis is qualitative. The data was gathered through content analysis of information obtained from written online sources as well as from the conducted semi-structured interviews. The interviewees were the selected representatives of organizations involved in business development in potential locations that were considered in this research.
Three locations were compared during this research. Two of them correspond the most to the company’s selection criteria, Villigen in Switzerland, and Berlin in Germany. Additionally, Jena in Germany was chosen by the researcher because preceding the research, this city was thought of being potentially suitable. Their comparison has shown that Villigen has the most favorable business environment and the highest quality of life. Specialists from around the globe come to work at the center of excellence situated in the city, contributing to the labor pool in the area. The residents of Zurich canton were also included in the consideration since the two cities are in driving proximity to each other making it easy to commute. Travelling between Espoo and Villigen is fast and easy facilitating potential cooperation between members of the R&D department in Finland and Switzerland. The focus of the thesis was on the comparison of the above-mentioned locations. Detailed research of the aspects that were not considered in this work is advisable prior to the establishment of the company’s R&D office.