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The Propensity to Patent Digital Technology: Mirroring Digitalization Processes in Germany with Intellectual Property in a European Perspective

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  • Andreas Bielig

    (World Economy Research Institute)

Abstract

Digitalization processes are main drivers of innovation activities, so promoting digital technology is priority of economic and industrial policy. Examining digital technology patent surge, the article analyzes German innovation positions in digital technology filings at European Patent Office in 2010–2019. Germany belongs to largest originations with computer technology as major field. Compared with USA and China, it finds in second innovation league and loses ground. Chinese strengths derive from specialization advantages in digital technologies. However, analysis of entire digital technology filings at EPO reveals no evidence for innovation advantages of increased specializations in European perspective.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Bielig, 2023. "The Propensity to Patent Digital Technology: Mirroring Digitalization Processes in Germany with Intellectual Property in a European Perspective," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 14(3), pages 2057-2080, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:14:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s13132-022-00986-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-022-00986-z
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Digital technology; Innovation; Patents; Competitiveness; Specialization; Germany;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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