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Knowledge diffusion across regions and countries: evidence from patent citations

Author

Listed:
  • Wiljan van den Berge

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Jonneke Bolhaar

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Roel van Elk

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

Abstract

We study knowledge spillovers from European universities and other research organizations using data from patent citations at the EPO. Using matching techniques to construct a sample of control patents, we show that the probability to cite a university patent declines with distance. In particular, we find a sharp cut-o ff at around 25 kilometers. For longer distances the probability to cite a university patent is more or less constant. For other research organizations we find no evidence that distance plays a role. Country borders are shown to play an important role in restricting the diffusion of patents of both universities and other research organizations. These results are in line with recent literature for the U.S. and suggest that knowledge spillovers and tacit knowledge are important when using knowledge embodied in university patents.

Suggested Citation

  • Wiljan van den Berge & Jonneke Bolhaar & Roel van Elk, 2017. "Knowledge diffusion across regions and countries: evidence from patent citations," CPB Discussion Paper 348, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpb:discus:348
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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