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The Cliometric Study of Innovations

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Handbook of Cliometrics

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Abstract

Per definition, cliometric studies of innovations use statistical methods to analyze large quantities of data. That is why historical patent statistics have become the standard measure for innovation. I first discuss the advantages and shortcomings of patent data and then show that the distribution of patents across countries, regions, or inventors is characterized by two salient features: its skewness and its persistence over time. To explain these features, the influence of various supply-side, demand-side, and institutional factors will be discussed. I will stress the importance of path dependency. This chapter ends with a closer look at technological transfer that came along with patent assignments and foreign patenting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Volkswirtschaftslehre, Lehrstuhl für Wirtschaftsgeschichte, Universität Mannheim, L7, 3-5, D 68131, Mannheim, Germany

    Jochen Streb

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  1. Jochen Streb
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Correspondence to Jochen Streb .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. BETA/CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Institute for Advanced Study, Strasbourg, France

    Claude Diebolt

  2. University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA

    Michael Haupert

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Streb, J. (2016). The Cliometric Study of Innovations. In: Diebolt, C., Haupert, M. (eds) Handbook of Cliometrics. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40406-1_18

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