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Does Distance Matter Less Now? The Changing Role of Geography in Biotechnology Innovation

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Abstract

Using patent citation data for the U.S., we test whether knowledge spillovers in biotechnology are sensitive to distance, and whether that sensitivity has changed over time. Controlling for self-citation by inventor, assignee, and examiner, cohort-based regression analysis shows that physical distance is becoming less important for spillovers with time.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Economics and Innovative Minds Program, Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA

    Daniel K. N. Johnson

  2. Department of Economics, Colorado College, 14 East Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs, CO, 80903, USA

    Kristina M. Lybecker

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  1. Daniel K. N. Johnson
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  2. Kristina M. Lybecker
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Correspondence to Daniel K. N. Johnson.

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Johnson, D.K.N., Lybecker, K.M. Does Distance Matter Less Now? The Changing Role of Geography in Biotechnology Innovation. Rev Ind Organ 40, 21–35 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11151-011-9316-6

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