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Measuring the characteristics and employment dynamics of U.S. inventors

Author

Listed:
  • Ufuk Akcigit

    (University of Chicago, NBER, CEPR)

  • Nathan Goldschlag

    (U.S. Census Bureau)

Abstract

Innovation is a key driver of long-run economic growth. Studying innovation requires a clear view of the characteristics and behavior of the individuals who create new ideas. A general lack of rich, large-scale data has constrained such analyses. We address this by introducing a new dataset linking patent inventors to survey, census, and administrative microdata at the U.S. Census Bureau. We use this data to provide a first look at the demographic characteristics, employer characteristics, earnings, and employment dynamics of inventors. These linkages, which will be available to researchers with approved access, dramatically increase the scope of what can be learned about inventors and innovative activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Ufuk Akcigit & Nathan Goldschlag, 2025. "Measuring the characteristics and employment dynamics of U.S. inventors," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 30(2), pages 237-269, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jecgro:v:30:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10887-025-09251-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10887-025-09251-9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Inventors; Innovation; R&D; Firms; Dynamism; Reallocation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O4 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity

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