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Comparing the knowledge bases of wind turbine firms in Asia and Europe: Patent trajectories, networks, and globalisation

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  • Yuan Zhou
  • Xin Li
  • Rasmus Lema
  • Frauke Urban

Abstract

This study uses patent analyses to compare the knowledge bases of leading wind turbine firms in Asia and Europe. It concentrates on the following three aspects: the trajectories of key technologies, external knowledge networks, and the globalisation of knowledge application. Our analyses suggest that the knowledge bases differ significantly between leading wind turbine firms in Europe and Asia. Europe’s leading firms have broader and deeper knowledge bases than their Asian counterparts. In contrast, the leading Chinese firms, with their unidirectional knowledge networks, are highly domestic in orientation with respect to the application of new knowledge. However, Suzlon, the leading Indian firm, has a better knowledge position. While our quantitative analysis validates prior qualitative studies it also brings new insights. The study suggests that European firms are still leaders in this industry, and leading Asian firms are unlikely to create new pathways that will disrupt the incumbents in the near future.

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  • Yuan Zhou & Xin Li & Rasmus Lema & Frauke Urban, 2016. "Comparing the knowledge bases of wind turbine firms in Asia and Europe: Patent trajectories, networks, and globalisation," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 43(4), pages 476-491.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:43:y:2016:i:4:p:476-491.
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    9. Rasmus Lema & Ambuj Sagar & Yuan Zhou, 2016. "Convergence or divergence? Wind power innovation paths in Europe and Asia," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 43(3), pages 400-413.
    10. Hansen, Ulrich Elmer & Lema, Rasmus, 2019. "The co-evolution of learning mechanisms and technological capabilities: Lessons from energy technologies in emerging economies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 241-257.
    11. Zhou, Yuan & Dong, Fang & Kong, Dejing & Liu, Yufei, 2019. "Unfolding the convergence process of scientific knowledge for the early identification of emerging technologies," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 144(C), pages 205-220.
    12. Wei, Yi-Ming & Kang, Jia-Ning & Yu, Bi-Ying & Liao, Hua & Du, Yun-Fei, 2017. "A dynamic forward-citation full path model for technology monitoring: An empirical study from shale gas industry," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 769-780.
    13. Xu, Guannan & Wu, Yuchen & Minshall, Tim & Zhou, Yuan, 2018. "Exploring innovation ecosystems across science, technology, and business: A case of 3D printing in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 208-221.
    14. Ruxu Sheng & Juntian Du & Songqi Liu & Changan Wang & Zidi Wang & Xiaoqian Liu, 2021. "Solar Photovoltaic Investment Changes across China Regions Using a Spatial Shift-Share Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-14, October.
    15. Guannan Xu & Weijie Hu & Yuanyuan Qiao & Yuan Zhou, 2020. "Mapping an innovation ecosystem using network clustering and community identification: a multi-layered framework," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 124(3), pages 2057-2081, September.
    16. Doblinger, Claudia & Surana, Kavita & Li, Deyu & Hultman, Nathan & Anadón, Laura Díaz, 2022. "How do global manufacturing shifts affect long-term clean energy innovation? A study of wind energy suppliers," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(7).
    17. Gandenberger, Carsten, 2017. "Giant and dwarf - China's two faces in wind energy innovation," Working Papers "Sustainability and Innovation" S07/2017, Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI).
    18. Yawei Wang & Frauke Urban & Yuan Zhou & Luyi Chen, 2018. "Comparing the Technology Trajectories of Solar PV and Solar Water Heaters in China: Using a Patent Lens," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-29, November.
    19. Shu-Hao Chang, 2022. "Examining Key Technologies Among Academic Patents Through an Analysis of Standard-Essential Patents," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(3), pages 21582440221, July.
    20. Summerfield-Ryan, Oliver & Park, Susan, 2023. "The power of wind: The global wind energy industry's successes and failures," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).
    21. Thomas Poulsen & Charlotte Bay Hasager, 2017. "The (R)evolution of China: Offshore Wind Diffusion," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-32, December.

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