Work

Recombinant invention in solar photovoltaic technology: can geographical proximity bridge technological distance?

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: This paper explores the emergence of new combinations of unrelated technologies at the regional level. The analyses show that for solar photovoltaic inventions, such unrelated technologies are more likely to be recombined when they strongly co-locate in the same region rather than in different regions. Furthermore, we show that this pattern is common to renewable energy inventions, although different dynamics are observed in different types of renewable energy technology. The results highlight the importance of place-based capabilities in facilitating breakthrough inventions in renewable energy technologies.

Source: Regional Studies

DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2020.1839639

Authors: Deyu Li, Gaston Heimeriks, Floor Alkemade

Institutions: Utrecht University, University of Cambridge, Eindhoven University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Intellectual Property and Patents

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek, Economic and Social Research Council