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Technological peer pressure and inventor mobility: Evidence from China

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  • Chen, Geng
  • Han, Yikai

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between Technological Peer Pressure (TPP) and inventor mobility. Using data on 398,734 inventors from 3078 Chinese listed firms over 2007–2021, we find that TPP significantly increases the likelihood of inventor mobility. This conclusion passes a series of robustness tests and mitigates endogeneity issues via the IV-2SLS and PSM-DID models. We identify three mechanisms driving this effect: heightened corporate earnings pressure, increased innovation bubbles, and diminished collaborative culture. This positive TPP-mobility link is weaker for inventors with more co-inventors or star inventors, for firms with more R&D alliances or less myopic management. Overall, our results highlight TPP's critical role in shaping inventor mobility, offering insights for firms to respond to technological competition in the product market.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Geng & Han, Yikai, 2026. "Technological peer pressure and inventor mobility: Evidence from China," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:156:y:2026:i:c:s0264999326000143
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2026.107485
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    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • L22 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Organization and Market Structure

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