nep-ipr New Economics Papers
on Intellectual Property Rights
Issue of 2010‒04‒11
four papers chosen by
Roland Kirstein
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

  1. Technology transfer from universities and public research institutes to firms in Brazil: what is transferred and how the transfer is carried out. By Luciano Martins Costa Póvoa; Márcia Siqueira Rapini
  2. The determinants of scientific research agenda: Why do academic inventors choose to perform patentable versus non-patentable research? By Hussler Caroline; Pénin Julien
  3. What Determines the Innovative Success of Subsidized Collaborative R&D Projects? – Project-Level Evidence from Germany – By Michael Schwartz; Francois Peglow; Michael Fritsch; Jutta Günther
  4. Europe should stop taxing innovation By Bruno van Pottelsberghe

  1. By: Luciano Martins Costa Póvoa (FACE-UFG, Ciências Econômicas); Márcia Siqueira Rapini (UFRJ and CEDEPLAR/UFMG)
    Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of the technology transfer process from universities and public research institutes to firms in Brazil. In particular, this study is concerned with the role of patents in this process. Although there is a certain enthusiasm in promoting technology transfer offices to manage university patents, the importance of patents to the technology transfer process is not yet well understood in literature. We conducted a survey with leaders of research groups from universities and public research institutes that developed and transferred technology to firms. The results show that patents are one of the least used channels of technology transfer by universities and public research institutes. But the importance of the channels varies according to the type of technology transferred and to the firms' industry.
    Keywords: Technology transfer; university; public research institutions, patent.
    JEL: O31 O34
    Date: 2010–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ufb:wpaper:014&r=ipr
  2. By: Hussler Caroline; Pénin Julien
    Abstract: This paper explores the determinants of scientific research agenda. By using an original dataset that includes extensive information about 269 French academic inventors, we analyze why scientists choose to perform patentable versus non-patentable research. Usually economic studies tackle this problem by using the number of invented patents as a proxy of researchers’ willingness to perform patentable research. The originality of the paper is that, in addition to the number of invented patents, we rely on a survey-base dependant variable that indicates whether or not scientists acknowledge orienting deliberately their research towards patentable areas. Our results indicate that past experience with respect to patenting activity matters: academic inventors who have already experienced a successful technology transfer are more inclined to orient their research towards patentable domains. Similarly, the institutional environment plays an explanatory role, whereas conversely, scientific discipline, age and individual research performance do not seem to affect the decision to orient research towards patentable areas. Yet, age and scientific performance positively influence the number of patents scholars effectively invent.
    Keywords: University, patent, scientific agenda, technology transfer, academic inventors.
    JEL: O3
    Date: 2010
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:ulp:sbbeta:2010-06&r=ipr
  3. By: Michael Schwartz; Francois Peglow; Michael Fritsch; Jutta Günther
    Abstract: Systemic innovation theory emphasizes that innovations are the result of an interdependent exchange process between different organizations. This is reflected in the current paradigm in European innovation policy, which aims at the support of collaborative R&D and innovation projects bringing together science and industry. Building on a large data set using project-level evidence on 406 subsidized R&D cooperation projects, the present paper provides detailed insights on the relationship between the innovative success of R&D cooperation projects and project characteristics. Patent applications and publications are used as measures for direct outcomes of R&D projects. We also differentiate between academic-industry projects and pure inter-firm projects. Main results of negative binomial regressions are that large-firm involvement is positively related to pa-tent applications, but not to publications. Conversely, university involvement has positive effects on project outcomes in terms of publications but not in terms of patent applications. In general, projects’ funding is an important predictor of innovative success of R&D cooperation projects. No significant results are found for spatial proximity among cooperation partners and for the engagement of an applied research institute. Results are discussed with respect to the design of R&D cooperation support schemes.
    Keywords: R&D Cooperation; Innovation; Academic-Industry-Linkages; Innovation Policy
    JEL: O31 O32 O38
    Date: 2010–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iwh:dispap:7-10&r=ipr
  4. By: Bruno van Pottelsberghe
    Abstract: In this Policy Brief, Bruegel Senior Fellow Bruno van Pottelsberghe makes the argument in favour of a single EU patent system. The author explains that the absence of a one-stop-shop for EU-wide patents hampers innovation and will pose serious challenges to small and medium-sized companies in the face of global competition. This paper analyses how a uniform patent system can sustain long-term competitiveness and boost growth and thereby achieve EU2020 targets. It makes policy recommendations in four key areas of a single patent system - language, complexity, affordability and governance.   
    Date: 2010–03
    URL: http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:bre:polbrf:413&r=ipr

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