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Climate Agreement and Technology Diffusion: Impact of the Kyoto Protocol on International Patent Applications for Renewable Energy Technologies

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  • Mai Miyamoto

    (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University)

  • Kenji Takeuchi

    (Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University)

Abstract

This paper examines the Kyoto Protocol's impact on the international diffusion of renewable energy technologies. Using patent application data from 133 countries from 1990 to 2013, we find that the Kyoto Protocol increased international patent applications from the countries with emission targets. When we focus on countries with more stringent targets, the effect of the Kyoto Protocol is even stronger. We find a similar effect in international patent applications to four developing countries that are large emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs): China, India, Brazil, and Mexico. These results suggest that the Kyoto Protocol stimulated international patenting activities from countries that are committed to stringent targets for climate mitigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mai Miyamoto & Kenji Takeuchi, 2018. "Climate Agreement and Technology Diffusion: Impact of the Kyoto Protocol on International Patent Applications for Renewable Energy Technologies," Discussion Papers 1820, Graduate School of Economics, Kobe University.
    • Handle: RePEc:koe:wpaper:1820
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Renewable energy; Kyoto Protocol; International patent applications;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • Q55 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Technological Innovation

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