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The Uneven Regional Geography of Telecommunication Standard Essential Patents

Author

Listed:
  • Bernardo S. Buarque
  • Ronald B. Davies
  • Ryan M. Hynes
  • Gianluca Tarasconi

Abstract

This paper explores the role of Standard Essential Patents (SEPs) in shaping technological development and regional innovation in Europe’s telecommunications sector. Results reveal strong geographic concentration, particularly in Helsinki and Stockholm, which account for one-third of multi-generation cellular network technology SEPs. Unlike other technologies, SEP distribution does not scale with population or prior technological expertise. Findings further suggest a winner-takes-all dynamic, where early SEP leadership reinforces future dominance, yet this advantage weakens across generations. The study offers new insights into standardization's spatial dynamics and underscores the need for long-term perspectives when modeling technological competition and diffusion.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernardo S. Buarque & Ronald B. Davies & Ryan M. Hynes & Gianluca Tarasconi, 2025. "The Uneven Regional Geography of Telecommunication Standard Essential Patents," Working Papers 202508, School of Economics, University College Dublin.
    • Handle: RePEc:ucn:wpaper:202508
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10197/31866
    File Function: First version, 2025
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L15 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Information and Product Quality
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • R12 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Size and Spatial Distributions of Regional Economic Activity; Interregional Trade (economic geography)

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