The reiteration of university co-patents: empirical evidence from Italy

Although the central role of universities in the development of innovation ecosystems is widely recognized, the literature on the manner in which universities might construct their R&D collaborations is highly limited. The present study addresses this gap, analyzing the propensity of Italian universities to reiterate joint patenting with other organizations which have been coapplicants of their previous patents. The study demonstrates that the development of further joint patents is influenced by variables concerning the characteristics of the university, of the partner organization, as well as of the previous joint patent. Utilizing multi-level modeling, the study verifies a series of hypotheses concerning the specific characteristics of joint patenting activity by universities, thus concluding with useful policy indications.