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The Impact of Technological Capabilities on Invention: An Investigation Based on Country Responsiveness Scores

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  • Cerulli, Giovanni

Abstract

This study explores the impact of “technological capabilities” (TCs) on invention (measured by “patenting intensity”) in a dataset of 42 emerging and advanced countries observed over 13years (1995–2007). By computing country responsiveness scores we are able to: (i) rank countries according to their inventive responsiveness; (ii) detect more influential TCs factors; (iii) test the presence of increasing/decreasing patenting returns to TCs. Results show an inverted-U relation between invention responsiveness and TCs intensity. We conclude that self-reinforcing mechanisms characterize the early stage of TCs accumulation (increasing returns), and weakening mechanisms higher levels of TCs intensity (decreasing returns). Findings are widely discussed.

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  • Cerulli, Giovanni, 2014. "The Impact of Technological Capabilities on Invention: An Investigation Based on Country Responsiveness Scores," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 147-165.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:59:y:2014:i:c:p:147-165
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.01.019
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