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Appropriability and Incentives with Complementary Innovations

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  • Massimo D'Antoni
  • Maria Alessandra Rossi

Abstract

This article analyzes the effects on ex ante incentives to invest in the development of complementary innovations of two alternative appropriability strategies: a strategy of exclusion of third parties from access (through active enforcement of IPRs or technical means) vis-a-vis an openness strategy, i.e. an ex-ante commitment not to exclude. Assuming that the complementary innovations constitute a common input and that agents make complementary investments in its private exploitation, we find that, when complementarities are sufficiently strong, a commitment to openness may provide greater incentives than an exclusion strategy. The theoretical framework is used to provide an interpretation of Open Source Software licenses and the “Open Science” system.

Suggested Citation

  • Massimo D'Antoni & Maria Alessandra Rossi, 2010. "Appropriability and Incentives with Complementary Innovations," Department of Economics University of Siena 603, Department of Economics, University of Siena.
    • Handle: RePEc:usi:wpaper:603
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    Cited by:

    1. Sergio Petralia, 2024. "GitPat: A Database Linking Open Source Contributions & Patenting Activity of Organizations," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2437, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Nov 2024.
    2. Wipusanawan, Chayanin, 2023. "Standard-essential patents, innovation, and competition," Other publications TiSEM 292e319a-9e6a-4465-8f8f-7, Tilburg University, School of Economics and Management.
    3. Ugo Pagano & Maria Alessandra Rossi, 2019. "Come sorridere anche noi: Sviluppo economico, accesso alle conoscenze, e riduzione delle diseguaglianze," Department of Economics University of Siena 803, Department of Economics, University of Siena.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    incentives to innovation; complementarity; intellectual property rights; open source software; open science.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L17 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - Open Source Products and Markets
    • 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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