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Surname distance and technology diffusion: Evidence from inter-city patent transfer in China

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Listed:
  • Jiang, Weijie
  • Yu, Hui

Abstract

Technology diffusion is essential for economic growth. While geographic distance and formal institutions are known barriers, culturally rooted informal frictions have received comparatively less attention in studies of domestic technology markets. This study investigates how one historically persistent dimension of bilateral cultural distance, proxied by surname distance, affects inter-regional patent transfers in China using 2006,357 inter-city transactions from China's National Intellectual Property Administration (2005–2022). We find surname distance significantly inhibits patent transfers, with an elasticity of -0.215. Mechanism analysis reveals surname distance inhibits patent transfers by amplifying inter-regional disparities in intellectual property rights (IPR) protection and reducing trust between regions. This impact intensifies over time and displays marked asymmetries: it is more pronounced in transfers from institutionally advanced to less developed cities, in transfers from technologically leading to lagging cities, and in invention and utility model patents relative to design patents. Moreover, the effect is even greater for intra-provincial transfers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiang, Weijie & Yu, Hui, 2026. "Surname distance and technology diffusion: Evidence from inter-city patent transfer in China," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 466-483.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecanpo:v:92:y:2026:i:c:p:466-483
    DOI: 10.1016/j.eap.2026.06.033
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    Keywords

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    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
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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