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Who to collaborate: Exploring the role of knowledge overlap between inventors in innovation performance

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  • Hur, Jisoo
  • Lee, Seokhui
  • Hwang, Junseok
  • Kim, Keungoui

Abstract

This study investigates the implications of knowledge overlap between inventors on patent performance, focusing on the technological output, technological impact, and technological distinctiveness of inventions. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from the PATSTAT database, we analyze 3,352,202 inventor pairs from patents filed by US-headquartered publicly traded firms between 1980 and 2015. Our analysis reveals that while a higher degree of knowledge overlap between inventors typically increases the patent output, measured by the number of patents produced, it is associated with lower patent impact and lower patent distinctiveness in the firm's technological portfolio. Notably, the relationship between knowledge overlap and both patent impact and patent distinctiveness exhibits a curvilinear (U-shaped) pattern, suggesting that beyond a certain threshold, increased knowledge overlap can enhance the influence and distinctiveness of inventions. This study contributes to the existing literature by underscoring the importance of balancing knowledge diversity and shared expertise in fostering innovation.

Suggested Citation

  • Hur, Jisoo & Lee, Seokhui & Hwang, Junseok & Kim, Keungoui, 2026. "Who to collaborate: Exploring the role of knowledge overlap between inventors in innovation performance," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 224(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:224:y:2026:i:c:s0040162525005141
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124483
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