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Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Rethinking Technological Value Distribution in mRNA Vaccine Innovations

Author

Listed:
  • Rossana Mastrandrea

    (Department of Management, University of Turin, Torino, Italy)

  • Fabio Montobbio

    (Dipartimento di Politica Economica, DISCE, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy – ICRIOS, Bocconi University, Milano, Italy – BRICK, Collegio Carlo Alberto, Torino, Italy)

  • Gabriele Pellegrino

    (Dipartimento di Politica Economica, DISCE, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy)

  • Massimo Riccaboni

    (IMT School for Advanced Studies, Lucca, Italy – IUSS, Pavia, Italy)

  • Valerio Sterzi

    (Bordeaux School of Economics (BSE), University of Bordeaux, CNRS, UMR 6060, Bordeaux, France)

Abstract

This study examines the roles of public and private sector actors in the development of mRNA vaccines, a breakthrough innovation in modern medicine. Using a dataset of 151 core patent fam- ilies and 2,416 antecedent (cited) patents, we analyze the structure and dynamics of the mRNA vaccine knowledge network through network theory. Our findings highlight the central role of biotechnology firms, such as Moderna and BioNTech, alongside the crucial contributions of univer- sities and public research organizations (PROs) in providing foundational knowledge. We develop a novel credit allocation framework, showing that universities, PROs, government and research cen- ters account for at least 27% of the external technological knowledge base behind mRNA vaccine breakthroughs—representing a minimum threshold of their overall contribution. Our study offers new insights into pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation dynamics, emphasizing how Mod- erna and BioNTech’s mRNA technologies have benefited from academic institutions, with notable differences in their institutional knowledge sources.

Suggested Citation

  • Rossana Mastrandrea & Fabio Montobbio & Gabriele Pellegrino & Massimo Riccaboni & Valerio Sterzi, 2025. "Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Rethinking Technological Value Distribution in mRNA Vaccine Innovations," DISCE - Working Papers del Dipartimento di Politica Economica dipe0047, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Dipartimenti e Istituti di Scienze Economiche (DISCE).
    • Handle: RePEc:ctc:serie5:dipe0047
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    breakthrough innovation; innovation networks; patent analysis; mRNA vaccines; COVID- 19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I10 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - General
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • L65 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Chemicals; Rubber; Drugs; Biotechnology; Plastics
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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