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ICT, Collaboration, and Innovation: Evidence from BITNET

Author

Listed:
  • Wernsdorf, Kathrin
  • Nagler, Markus
  • Watzinger, Martin

Abstract

Does access to technologies that reduce information and communication costs increase innovation? We examine this question by exploiting the staggered adoption of BITNET across U.S. universities in the 1980s. BITNET, an early version of the Internet, enabled e-mail-based knowledge exchange and collaboration among academics. After the adoption of BITNET, university-connected inventors increase patenting substantially. The effects are driven by collaborative patents by new inventor teams. The patents induced by ICT are closely related to science. In contrast, we neither find an effect on patents not closely related to science nor on corporate inventors unconnected to universities.

Suggested Citation

  • Wernsdorf, Kathrin & Nagler, Markus & Watzinger, Martin, 2022. "ICT, Collaboration, and Innovation: Evidence from BITNET," CEPR Discussion Papers 17179, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:17179
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    2. Leng, Xuan & Zhang, Yichuan & He, Jiaxin, 2025. "Subways and scientists' productivity under the NSFC program: Evidence from China," Journal of Asian Economics, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    3. Ertugrul, Mine & Krishnan, Karthik & Yu, Qianqian, 2024. "Knowledge spillover and entrepreneurship: Evidence from BITNET," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(9).
    4. Wang, Jiancheng & Chen, Jialing & Li, Xiaoying & Li, Weiping, 2024. "Broadband acceleration and employment: Evidence from China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    5. Zhang, Yichuan & Leng, Xuan & Zhu, Tianyun, 2025. "Offline vs. Online interactions: The effects on scientific research," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 54(6).
    6. Xu, Shengxiang & Chen, Hsinghung & Dong, Shuli & Guo, Zizheng, 2023. "Can upgrading information infrastructure improve the innovation ability of companies? Empirical evidence from China," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(6).
    7. Han, Yonghui & Mai, Jinghua & Zhang, Fan & Luo, Ruilin, 2025. "Leveraging external debt: Stimulate innovation by infrastructure development in Belt and Road countries," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 86(C), pages 1214-1243.
    8. Yingdong Wang & Qingbo Li, 2024. "Can ICT investment promote green development? new insights from highly polluting listed enterprises in China," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(12), pages 1-24, December.
    9. Xiaolin Yu & Kai Wan, 2025. "Can removing regional barriers reduce carbon emissions in border regions? Quasi-natural experiments from China," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 58(2), pages 1-29, April.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H54 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Infrastructures
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • L86 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Information and Internet Services; Computer Software
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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