Title: Comparative study on innovation resource in pharmaceutical fields: an entropy measure over patent data in China

Authors: Xiang-dong Chen, Li-li Cao

Addresses: The School of Economics and Management, Bei Hang University, Beijing, 100191, China. ' The School of Economics and Management, Bei Hang University, Beijing, 100191, China

Abstract: It is widely believed in international literature that R&D and related innovation movement in pharmaceutical field is different from activities in other manufacture areas. This paper deals with the nature of innovation activities in China|s pharmaceutical field, focusing on innovation activities in its size and technical scope, by investigating patent data in China between 1985 and 2005. Entropy measure is introduced in this paper to reveal degree of concentration and diversification. With data processing result based on entropy measure, the paper provides a descriptive chart in two dimensions: namely, degree of size and degree of technical scope. Patenting activities from foreign firms and local firms are compared in this study, and development tendency of technology resources in local companies in China is also provided comparatively. Implications from this research can be used as reference to policy makers and business companies in China.

Keywords: pharmaceutical technology; innovation scope; innovation size; entropy measures; indigenous innovation; China; innovation management; R&D; research and development; patents; foreign firms; local firms; technology resources.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLIC.2010.034368

International Journal of Learning and Intellectual Capital, 2010 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.284 - 294

Published online: 01 Aug 2010 *

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