This research investigates the impact of the top management team (TMT) on the R&D internatiionalization of emerging market (EM) firms. It proposes that the TMT's international exposure influence an EM firm's decision to set up R&D centers overseas. Past experiences in international settings enable top managers in EM firms to acquire greater foreign knowledge and increase risk perceptivity. These knowledge and experiences, in turn,influence top managers to engage in R&D offshoring. This article further asserts that older executives are risk averse and overemphasize career stability. Therefore, the CEO's age prevents a firm from setting up R&D centers overseas.