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The Changing Geography of the International Diffusion of Technological Knowledge

Author

Listed:
  • Ernest Miguelez
  • Michele Pezzoni
  • Fabiana Visentin
  • Catalina Martínez
  • Reinhilde Veugelers
  • Julio Raffo

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving geography of international technological knowledge diffusion over the last four decades using multiple patent-based indicators. We first review the main mechanisms through which knowledge diffuses across borders—including trade and global value chains, foreign direct investment, skilled migration, global science, and markets for technology—highlighting their complementarities and the role of domestic capabilities. We then provide new empirical evidence based on cross-border patent citations, technological trajectories defined by IPC recombinations, patent-to-science linkages, and international patent families. The results reveal persistent asymmetries, with a small group of advanced economies remaining central knowledge hubs, alongside the rising role of emerging countries, especially China. Science-based technologies diffuse farther and faster, while capability constraints continue to limit integration for many regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Ernest Miguelez & Michele Pezzoni & Fabiana Visentin & Catalina Martínez & Reinhilde Veugelers & Julio Raffo, 2026. "The Changing Geography of the International Diffusion of Technological Knowledge," WIPO Economic Research Working Papers 92, World Intellectual Property Organization - Economics and Statistics Division.
    • Handle: RePEc:wip:wpaper:92
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    File URL: https://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo-pub-econstat-wp-92-en-the-changing-geography-of-the-international-diffusion-of-technological-knowledge.pdf
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • F23 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - Multinational Firms; International Business
    • 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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