What is behind the globalization of technology? Exploring the interplay of multi-level drivers of international patent extension in the solar photovoltaic industry

Abstract

The increasing internationalization of economic activities highlights the necessity of expanding protections for technologies outside their home countries. Given the large scale and fast growth in international patent filings, understanding the motivations of international patenting behaviors has attracted much attention. This study extends prior literature by exploring additional important determinants of international patenting behaviors and the heterogeneity in international patenting across technology and assignee categories. This study focuses on the solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, which is a major sector in the renewable energy industry and plays a key role in achieving energy transition. As a critical application for semiconductors, PV technologies have grown into a substantial field of research and development through strong patents. In this study, we found that the quality and applicability scope of a patent, as well as the market size, manufacturing capacity, and imitation threats in a destination country, can impact international patent extensions in the solar PV industry. We also found that the strength of these motivators varies based on different types of technologies and assignees.