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Inventor Data for Research on Migration and Innovation: A Survey and a Pilot

Author

Listed:
  • Stefano Breschi

    (CRIOS – Università Bocconi, Milan)

  • Francesco Lissoni

    (GREThA – Université Montesquieu, Bordeaux IV and CRIOS – Università Bocconi, Milan)

  • Gianluca Tarasconi

    (CRIOS – Università Bocconi, Milan)

Abstract

This paper discusses the existing literature on migration and innovation, with special emphasis on empirical studies based on patent and inventor data. Other sources of micro-data are examined, too, for comparative purposes. A pilot database, based on patent filings at the European Patent Office is presented. It contains information on individual inventors, including their country of residence and of origin. Preliminary evidence suggests that immigrant inventors contribute to innovation not only in the US, but also in selected European countries, where they often rank among the most productive individuals. Data on returnee inventors to selected countries of origin suggest the phenomenon to be of limited scale, and highly subject to errors of measurement.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Breschi & Francesco Lissoni & Gianluca Tarasconi, 2014. "Inventor Data for Research on Migration and Innovation: A Survey and a Pilot," WIPO Economic Research Working Papers 17, World Intellectual Property Organization - Economics and Statistics Division.
  • Handle: RePEc:wip:wpaper:17
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    File URL: http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_pub_econstat_wp_17.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    immigration; innovation; inventor data; patent data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F22 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Migration
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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