Technology Appropriation in Public Funded Research Organizations: An Empirical Evidence using Patent

Abstract

Public Funded Research Organizations (PFROs) are the epitome of inclusive organizations. Every country organizes and manages these organizations for the purpose of increasing the production and proper diffusion of scientific research which forms an essential part of National Innovation Systems. While general agreement exists about the role of the PFROs as centers for fundamental basic research, a stronger interest has been expressed for a proper follow-up of ideas from PFRO research which may lead to applications of industrial significance. In this study, we analyze the patent maintenance data to evaluate the significance of commercially important knowledge generated from PFROs. Impact of cross-institutional relationships and knowledge dissemination on generating commercially important knowledge from these organizations of National importance is carried using Cox Proportionality Hazard Models. The focus of our study is public funded research organizations (PFROs) which are believed to be an integral part of National Innovation Systems (NIS) and thus form a crucial and essential part of inclusive economic growth. Data were collected from 43 PFROs across India during the period 2000-2017. Based on our results, we also derive some policy and decision making implications for public research particularly in the context of transition economies.