IPRs and international knowledge flows: evidence from six large emerging countries

This paper studies international knowledge flows looking at (1) patent citations that track codified knowledge and (2) technological collaborations between inventors that gauge knowledge transmitted through face to face contacts. It uses a gravity model for 13 countries (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa and Mexico and USA, UK, Japan, Italy, Germany, France and Canada) using EPO data. Economic and institutional barriers exist to knowledge flows. Geographical distance has an indirect effect in particular through trade. Sharing a common legal origin and technological proximity favor the transfer of knowledge. When knowledge is tacit the economic (e.g. trade) and institutional determinants (e.g. legal origin) of knowledge flows have a much stronger impact. Finally there may be some adverse effects on knowledge flows generated by the reinforcement of IPRs in developing countries and in particular by the TRIPs agreements.