We investigate the causal effect of patent rights on cumulative innovation, using large-scale data that approximate the patent universe in its technological and economic variety. We introduce a novel instrumental variable for patent invalidation that exploits personnel scarcity in post-grant...

Based on an established theoretical framework of the drivers of inventive performance, the so-called KSAO (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other) factors, this paper seeks to explain empirically the performance of inventors throughout their careers. We combine survey information spanning the...

On behalf of the German Federal Government, the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation presents its second report. This was originally intended to be a “short” report, in which the key indicators of research and development were up-dated and commented on. However, the Expert...

Research and innovation are extremely important for Germany. New insights are generated by research, and new ways of creating value are opened up by technical, organisational, and other innovations. Production, value-creation and employment tend to increase much more in companies which are...

We investigate the causal effect of patent rights on cumulative innovation, using large-scale data that approximate the patent universe in its technological and economic variety. We introduce a novel instrumental variable for patent invalidation that exploits personnel scarcity in post-grant...

On behalf of the Federal Government of Germany, the Commission of Experts for Research and Innovation presents its third report.The format of the report has been revised this year. Part A of the EFI report 2010 discusses current developments and future challenges. Part B of the report then...