The Role of Patent Co-inventorship Networks in Regional Inventive Performance

What is it about?

This study aimed to analyze the role of patent co-inventorship networks in the inventive regional performance. We trace the flow of knowledge among regions using patent co-authorship in Brazilian patent applications. The inventors may have collaborative links with other inventors who reside in the same region (internal or intra-regional linkages) or other regions (external or inter-regional linkages). Using social network analysis techniques, it was possible to map the regions that are in a key position for knowledge production and spillovers. We detect a trend towards increasing inter-regional co-patenting activity, with the regions creating wider and more densely connected networks. The number of isolated regions has decreased over time. However, we also observe that connections among less developed regions are scarce in the collaborative network. Such regions have external ties established mainly with regions that occupy a central position in the network. Inter-regional collaborations are mainly concentrated in the economically and technologically most developed urban centers. Regions occupying a central position in the collaborative network are more innovative while regions with greater external reach in terms of ties are in a peripheral position in the collaborative network and have a smaller innovative capacity.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

Co-inventorship networks create knowledge flows that sustain regional competitive advantages. Technological collaborations are channels for the flow of knowledge and thus may be important to ensure greater efficiency in the inventive activity. Regional external links in co-inventorship networks are essential for regions that do not have self-sufficiency to innovate. The results can help in the understanding of the role of agglomeration economies in association with the structure of collaborative networks on regional inventive performance. Peripheral regions can seek inter-regional connections to compensate for the lack of local knowledge spillovers. External ties may be important mainly if they are intensive in the direct links and are followed by a high level of internal reach in the collaboration networks. Therefore, regions lagging-behind can benefit from the diffusion of knowledge created in core regions by means the inter-regional collaborations with such regions. By identifying the knowledge flows among Brazilian regions, economic policies could support the creation and the strengthening of inter-regional collaborative technological networks.

Perspectives