Patents Bibliometrics: Evaluating Collaborations in R&D: The Case Study of Stem Cell Research in Israel

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between collaboration and Innovation. In recent years there is a hype surrounding the need for collaborations in the innovation process. Vast body of literature supports the notion that collaboration leads to more innovations. However, even though less heard, there are those claiming that collaboration might hinder innovation. Current literature lacks the empirical evidence to support either of the sides to the collaboration-innovation debate. This papers aims to fill this gap.

The method that was developed to do so aims to tie the methodology of patents bibliometrics and the realization that forward citations is a proxy for innovation with theoretical literature on collaboration.

The empirical evidence is based on data collected on stem cell research in Israel. The method presented in the proposed paper aims to measure innovation using patents forward citations as a proxy for innovation. Forward citations are references to patents (cited patents) made by future patent applications (citing patents). The method is based on the seminal work of Prof. Manuel Trajtenberg which was the first to conclude that forward citations serve as an indicator of the innovative impact of the patented invention.

The results of this paper provide, for the first time, systematic evidence as to the innovative strength of collaboration, and thus provide empirical support to those calling to establish collaboration to foster more innovation.

Keywords: Patents bibliometrics, forward citations, collaboration, innovation indicators, innovation measurement, regression analysis