| Abstract: |
The rare earth elements (REE) are currently essential enablers of the digital
and decarbonization transitions. Nonetheless, their supply chain is highly
concentrated and their extraction has high environmental impacts. Circular
economy solutions could provide a twofold benefit, reducing the supply risk
for import-dependent countries and mitigating REE mining impacts. This article
focuses on REE recycling, providing a comprehensive, global overview of
innovation dynamics in that sector by means of patent data. We propose a
two-steps patent search methodology for the identification of REE recycling
patents, based on OECD ENV-TECH classification for green technologies and
keywords occurrence. Hence, we develop a series of quantitative and
qualitative metrics to explore innovation dynamics at the country, applicant
and technology type level. China clearly emerges as the most attractive market
for REE recycling patents and Chinese universities as the most active
applicants globally. Conversely, patent applications in all other countries
registered stagnating trends over the last decade. In Europe, in particular, a
lower number of patents are both filed and developed with respect to the US
and Japan. However, patent quality indicators present a quite different
picture, with US and Japanese applicants that seem to be at the technological
forefront, receiving more citations and being more oriented to protect their
inventions internationally. Therefore, our analysis underlines the importance
of considering both quantitative and qualitative patent metrics when exploring
innovation trends in REE recycling. We discuss the determinants of these
observed phenomena and provide policy implications, particularly for countries
dependent on REE imports. |