Knowledge Creation and Dissemination by Local Public Technology Centers in Regional and Sectoral Innovation Systems: Insights from patent data

         
Author Name FUKUGAWA Nobuya (Tohoku University)
Creation Date/NO. March 2016 16-E-061
Research Project The Role of Public Research Institutions in the Japanese National Innovation System
Download / Links

Abstract

Local public technology centers (LPTCs) in Japan help small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve productivity through technology transfer. Using a comprehensive patent database and based on frameworks of regional and sector innovation systems, this study quantitatively evaluates LPTCs' technology transfer activities. The key findings can be summarized as follows. First, local SMEs' technological portfolios (the distribution of patents across technological fields) indicate a better fit with the technological portfolios of LPTCs than with those of local universities. This tendency is salient for manufacturing LPTCs. Second, LPTCs collaborate more intensively on research with local SMEs compared to the local universities. This tendency is also salient for manufacturing LPTCs. Third, in regions where SMEs' technological portfolios are concentrated in biotechnology, LPTCs engage more in licensing. In regions where SMEs' technological portfolios are concentrated in mechanical engineering, LPTCs engage more in technical consultation.

Published: Fukugawa, Nobuya, 2016. "Knowledge creation and dissemination by Kosetsushi in sectoral innovation systems: Insights from patent data," Scientometrics, Vol. 109(3), pp. 2303-2327
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11192-016-2124-x