Inciting Protocols - How International Environmental Agreements Trigger Knowledge Transfers

Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper 09-060/3

53 Pages Posted: 20 Aug 2009

See all articles by Thijs Dekker

Thijs Dekker

Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)

Herman R.J. Vollebergh

PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Bilthoven); Tilburg Unversity ; CESifo Institute; Tilburg Sustainability Centre; Tilburg University - Tilburg University School of Economics and Management

Frans P. de Vries

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Cees Withagen

Free University of Amsterdam; Tilburg University

Date Written: August 15, 2009

Abstract

This paper studies how sulfur protocols trigger invention and diffusion of technologies for reducing SO2 emissions. For this goal we constructed a patent data set on SO2 abatement technologies filed in 15 signatory and non-signatory countries in the period 1970-1997. Our data enable us to study intended knowledge diffusion by separating so called mother patents, or original inventions, from family patents, which represent the same invention but are patents filed in foreign countries. We find that innovating firms file both types of patent applications before the protocols are actually implemented. Moreover, the filing of patents abroad (‘families’) is particularly strong in the countries that cooperate through the international protocols, i.e., the signatory countries. Our results suggest that firms are aware of the potential private benefits of such international agreements. They exploit potential advantages of larger product markets by seeking protection in countries that participate in the protocols.

Keywords: international environmental agreements, inventions, knowledge transfers, patents, acid rain

JEL Classification: D7,D8,031,Q5

Suggested Citation

Dekker, Thijs and Vollebergh, Herman R.J. and de Vries, Frans P. and Withagen, Cees A. M., Inciting Protocols - How International Environmental Agreements Trigger Knowledge Transfers (August 15, 2009). Tinbergen Institute Discussion Paper 09-060/3, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1457668 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1457668

Thijs Dekker (Contact Author)

Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) ( email )

De Boelelaan 1115
Amsterdam, 1081 HV
Netherlands

Herman R.J. Vollebergh

PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (Bilthoven) ( email )

Bezuidenhoutseweg 30
Den Haag, 2594 AV
Netherlands
+31655736920 (Phone)

Tilburg Unversity ( email )

Tilburg
Netherlands

HOME PAGE: http://www.tilburguniversity.edu/webwijs/show/h.r.j.vollebergh.htm

CESifo Institute ( email )

Munich
Germany

Tilburg Sustainability Centre ( email )

P.O. Box 90153
Tilburg, North Brabant 5000 LE
Netherlands

Tilburg University - Tilburg University School of Economics and Management ( email )

P.O. Box 90153
Tilburg, 5000 LE
Netherlands

Frans P. De Vries

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

No Address Available

Cees A. M. Withagen

Free University of Amsterdam ( email )

Tinbergen Institute De Boelelaan 1105
1081 HV Amsterdam
Netherlands

Tilburg University ( email )

Postbus 90153
Tilburg, DC Noord-Brabant 5000 LE
Netherlands

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