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International knowledge spillover through co-inventors: An empirical study using Chinese assignees' patent data

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  • Xiang, Xi-Yao
  • Cai, Hong
  • Lam, Shui
  • Pei, Yun-Long

Abstract

Knowledge spillover is a widespread phenomenon among main economic entities of the world. Most of prior studies adopt patent citation data to indicate the traces of knowledge flows. However, patent citation is a noisy indicator in reflecting technology diffusion and has limitation in identifying knowledge flows induced by personal contacts. In this paper, we propose a method for the construction of international knowledge spillover networks by incorporating patent citations with co-inventors information so as to detect the change of network structure induced by social ties of co-inventors and reflect both explicit and tacit knowledge diffusions across national frontiers. We apply the proposed method to a sample of power system related patents granted to Chinese assignees by USPTO during 2000–2007. Our results confirm that patent citation is not an adequate indicator of knowledge flows since it reflects very few knowledge exchanging channel. However, co-invented relationships which provide trace of tacit knowledge flows can complement the patent citation data to produce a fuller picture of international knowledge spillover. The incorporation of co-inventors data helps produce a Sino-American spillover network with a structure changed from extremely loose to loosely-tied in whole but cohesive locally. The cohesive subgroups contribute much to knowledge spillover from U.S. to China and dissipate internally among Chinese firms.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiang, Xi-Yao & Cai, Hong & Lam, Shui & Pei, Yun-Long, 2013. "International knowledge spillover through co-inventors: An empirical study using Chinese assignees' patent data," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 80(1), pages 161-174.
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:80:y:2013:i:1:p:161-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2012.07.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Duan, Yunlong & Liu, Shuling & Cheng, Hao & Chin, Tachia & Luo, Xuan, 2021. "The moderating effect of absorptive capacity on transnational knowledge spillover and the innovation quality of high-tech industries in host countries: Evidence from the Chinese manufacturing industry," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 233(C).
    2. Liu, Weiwei & Tao, Yuan & Bi, Kexin, 2022. "Capturing information on global knowledge flows from patent transfers: An empirical study using USPTO patents," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(5).
    3. Wang, Chun-Chieh & Sung, Hui-Yun & Chen, Dar-Zen & Huang, Mu-Hsuan, 2017. "Strong ties and weak ties of the knowledge spillover network in the semiconductor industry," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 114-127.
    4. Li, Xiaotao & Yuan, Xiaodong, 2022. "Tracing the technology transfer of battery electric vehicles in China: A patent citation organization network analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    5. Daniel Sommer & Bernd Ebersberger, 2021. "International R&D teams: Performance effects and the moderating role of technological competences," Economics Bulletin, AccessEcon, vol. 41(2), pages 387-397.
    6. Cui Zhang & Xiongjin Feng & Yanzhen Wang, 2022. "Technology Spillovers among Innovation Agents from the Perspective of Network Connectedness," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(16), pages 1-17, August.
    7. Qiao Zheng & Lu-Cheng Huang & Fei-Fei Wu & Wu Dan & Zhang Hui, 2017. "Analyzing Technological Knowledge Diffusion Among Technological Fields Using Patent Data: The Example of Microfluidics," International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management (IJITM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 14(01), pages 1-17, February.
    8. Fabrizio Fusillo & Sandro Montresor & Giuseppe Vittucci Marzetti, 2021. "The global network of embodied R&D flows," Discussion Paper series in Regional Science & Economic Geography 2021-05, Gran Sasso Science Institute, Social Sciences, revised Apr 2021.
    9. Ann Hipp & Björn Jindra & Kehinde Medase, 2023. "Nothing new in the East? New evidence on productivity effects of inventions in the GDR," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2301, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    10. Streltsova, E., 2022. "Global flows of technological knowledge: The position of Russia," Journal of the New Economic Association, New Economic Association, vol. 57(5), pages 39-54.
    11. Xiyao Xiang & Wei-Chiao Huang, 2019. "Does Distance Affect the Role of Nonlocal Subsidiaries on Cluster Firms’ Innovation? An Empirical Investigation on Chinese Biotechnology Cluster Firms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-18, November.
    12. Ebersberger, Bernd & Feit, Margarita & Mengis, Helen, 2023. "International knowledge interactions and catch-up. Evidence from European patent data for Chinese latecomer firms," International Business Review, Elsevier, vol. 32(2).
    13. Wei Yang & Xiang Yu & Dian Wang & Jinrui Yang & Ben Zhang, 2021. "Spatio-temporal evolution of technology flows in China: patent licensing networks 2000–2017," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(5), pages 1674-1703, October.
    14. Feng, Sida & Magee, Christopher L., 2020. "Technological development of key domains in electric vehicles: Improvement rates, technology trajectories and key assignees," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 260(C).
    15. Song, Haoyang & Hou, Jianhua & Zhang, Yang, 2022. "Catalytic capacity of technological innovation: Multidimensional definition and measurement from the perspective of knowledge spillover," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
    16. Lee, Sungjoo & Lee, Hakyeon & Lee, Changyong, 2020. "Open innovation at the national level: Towards a global innovation system," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 151(C).
    17. Lars Speckemeier & Dimitrios Tsivrikos, 2022. "Green Entrepreneurship: Should Legislators Invest in the Formation of Sustainable Hubs?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-26, June.

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