Improving Global Knowledge Centrality: The Role of Co-inventor Collaboration with China

Abstract

We analyze the role of co-inventor collaboration with China and the USA on a country’s increase in centrality in global knowledge networks. Building on research in economic development, innovation, social networks, and institutional theory, we find that co-patenting with Chinese inventors is positively related to a country’s centrality in global knowledge networks and that this relationships is negatively moderated by collaboration with the current most central knowledge network, namely that of the USA. We also find a negative effect from intellectual property rights protection and high transparency on the relationship between a country’s centrality when collaborating with China. Regression analyses of a panel of 197 countries for the years 2002-2015 support these findings, which contribute to recent debates on knowledge networks and international cooperation. In terms of theory, we extend social networks approach on international business literature, focusing on what institutional characteristics are related to participation in knowledge networks. Regarding policy makers, our findings can be used to encourage international collaboration for increased access to new sources of knowledge that fosters innovation while keeping a close eye on local institutions.