Patents, R and D, and the Private Value of Knowledge: Explorations in the Economics of Technological Change

摘要

The report describes a study to (1) explore the potential contribution of newly available patent data in order to understand the processes of technological change; (2) relate the quality of aggregate total factor productivity data (collected by a survey) to estimate the contribution of research and development (R&D) to the aggregate industry or economy-wide levels; and (3) stimulate interaction among researchers, using the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) resources, via seminars, workshops, and a special conference. A 'path analysis' diagram is used to describe the conceptual framework guiding the research. Discussed are patents and R&D at the firm level; market value of R&D and patents; R&D and productivity at both the firm and industry levels; the collection and construction of data bases; and interaction, dissemination, and training.