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Similarities and differences in regional determinants of university and industry patents: an analysis of Brazil from 2003 to 2018

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  • Sarah Ferreira

    (University of Campinas)

  • Renato Garcia

    (University of Campinas)

  • Veneziano Araujo

    (Federal University of Sao Paulo)

Abstract

In recent decades, the Regional Knowledge Production Function (RKPF) has become a widely used model for assessing regional industrial innovation, usually measured using patent data. However, the literature often disregards the growing number of patents filed by universities. We estimate a spatial panel RKPF to evaluate industrial and university patents separately in Brazil from 2003 to 2018, aiming to assess differences in the drivers of these distinct innovation outputs. Our findings reveal that R&D efforts, agglomeration, and network connections affect industrial and university patents differently. These results hold important implications for shaping regional innovation policies and for understanding the recent rise of university patenting.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Ferreira & Renato Garcia & Veneziano Araujo, 2025. "Similarities and differences in regional determinants of university and industry patents: an analysis of Brazil from 2003 to 2018," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 74(1), pages 1-38, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:74:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s00168-025-01358-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-025-01358-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    C31; O31; O33; R1;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • R1 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics

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