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Does patenting help high-tech start-ups?

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  • Helmers, Christian
  • Rogers, Mark

Abstract

Using data on all high- and medium-tech start-ups in the UK in 2000, this paper assesses the effect associated with a firm's decision to patent on a firm's subsequent growth between 2001 and 2005. We propose a new approach to addressing well known issues challenging identification of any patent effect: firm heterogeneity, simultaneity between firm performance and patenting, and sample selection. Our findings suggest that patentees have higher asset growth than non-patentees of between 8% and 27% per annum.

Suggested Citation

  • Helmers, Christian & Rogers, Mark, 2011. "Does patenting help high-tech start-ups?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(7), pages 1016-1027, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:40:y:2011:i:7:p:1016-1027
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