Patent Citation Data in Social Science Research: Overview and Best Practices

42 Pages Posted: 12 Jan 2016 Last revised: 3 Apr 2022

See all articles by Adam B. Jaffe

Adam B. Jaffe

Brandeis University; Motu Economic and Public Policy Research; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Gaétan de Rassenfosse

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Date Written: January 2016

Abstract

The last two decades have witnessed a dramatic increase in the use of patent citation data in social science research. Facilitated by digitization of the patent data and increasing computing power, a community of practice has grown up that has developed methods for using these data to: measure attributes of innovations such as impact and originality; to trace flows of knowledge across individuals, institutions and regions; and to map innovation networks. The objective of this paper is threefold. First, it takes stock of these main uses. Second, it discusses four pitfalls associated with patent citation data, related to office, time and technology, examiner, and strategic effects. Third, it highlights gaps in our understanding and offers directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

Jaffe, Adam B. and de Rassenfosse, Gaétan, Patent Citation Data in Social Science Research: Overview and Best Practices (January 2016). NBER Working Paper No. w21868, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2713593

Adam B. Jaffe (Contact Author)

Brandeis University ( email )

Waltham, MA 02454-9110
United States
781-736-2251 (Phone)
781-736-2263 (Fax)

HOME PAGE: http://www.brandeis.edu/global/people/faculty/jaff

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research ( email )

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P.O. Box 24390
Wellington, 6142
New Zealand

HOME PAGE: http://motu.org.nz

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Cambridge, MA 02138
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Gaétan De Rassenfosse

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne ( email )

Station 5
Odyssea 1.04
1015 Lausanne, CH-1015
Switzerland

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