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What Drives the International Transfer of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies? Empirical Evidence from Patent Data

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  • Dechezlepretre, Antoine
  • Glachant, Matthieu
  • Meniere, Yann

Abstract

Using patent data from 66 countries for the period 1990–2003, we characterize the factors which promote or hinder the international diffusion of climate-friendly technologies on a global scale. Regression results show that technology-specific capabilities of the recipient countries are determinant factors. In contrast, the general level of education is less important. We also show that restrictions to international trade—e.g., high tariff rates—and lax intellectual property regimes negatively influence the international diffusion of patented knowledge. A counter-intuitive result is that barriers to foreign direct investments can promote transfers. We discuss different possible interpretations.

Suggested Citation

  • Dechezlepretre, Antoine & Glachant, Matthieu & Meniere, Yann, 2010. "What Drives the International Transfer of Climate Change Mitigation Technologies? Empirical Evidence from Patent Data," Sustainable Development Papers 59416, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:feemdp:59416
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.59416
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Environmental Economics and Policy;

    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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