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Technological and geographical knowledge spillover in the German empire 1877–1918

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  • JOCHEN STREB
  • JÖRG BATEN
  • SHUXI YIN

Abstract

We use a newly developed data set of 39,343 high‐value patents granted between 1877 and 1918 to demonstrate that technological progress during German industrialization occurred in at least four different technological waves. We distinguish the railway wave (1877–86), the dye wave (1887–96), the chemical wave (1897–1902), and the wave of electrical engineering (1903–18). Evidence is presented that inter‐industry knowledge spillovers between technologically, economically, and geographically related industries were a major source for innovative activities during German industrialization. We also show that technological change affected the geographical distribution of innovative regions. Using an index of technologically revealed comparative advantage we find that regions that increased their innovativeness during the waves of technological progress revealed special strength in technological clusters like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemicals.

Suggested Citation

  • Jochen Streb & Jörg Baten & Shuxi Yin, 2006. "Technological and geographical knowledge spillover in the German empire 1877–1918," Economic History Review, Economic History Society, vol. 59(2), pages 347-373, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:ehsrev:v:59:y:2006:i:2:p:347-373
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-0289.2006.00347.x
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    1. Bairoch, Paul & Braider, Christopher, 1991. "Cities and Economic Development," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, edition 1, number 9780226034669, December.
    2. Streb, Jochen & Wallusch, Jacek & Yin, Shuxi, 2007. "Knowledge spill-over from new to old industries: The case of German synthetic dyes and textiles (1878-1913)," Explorations in Economic History, Elsevier, vol. 44(2), pages 203-223, April.
    3. Unknown, 2003. "Die Lage der Weltwirtschaft und der deutschen Wirtschaft im Fruhjahr 2003," Report Series 26058, Hamburg Institute of International Economics.
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