Title: Technological capacity and innovation in Spain: a qualitative analysis based on patents

Authors: Antonio Hidalgo

Addresses: Dept. for Business Administration, E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, c/Jose Gutierrez Abascal, 2. 28006 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: Technological innovation is a complex process that defines the capacity to produce new products and represents a key element in understanding the level of a country|s technological development. It is not, however, easily measurable, even though its relationship with indicators linked to the process of research and development (R&D) and with the existence of technological capacity is recognised. Patents are indicators that provide information not only about the results of the manufacturing process but also the technological innovation processes developed by companies and organisations and the technological capacity deployed. This study has focused on Spanish technological capabilities, through the analysis of the patents that have been applied for and granted on a sector-level basis, the strength of technological cooperation and the quality of the patents measured according to the number of claims.

Keywords: innovation; technological change; patents; technological capacity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2003.003289

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2003 Vol.3 No.4, pp.358 - 372

Published online: 20 Aug 2003 *

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