The co-evolution of patent networks, policy, and institutions in China’s solar photovoltaics industry

Research paper published in: Energy Research & Social Science 2018 Vol.38 (April), pp.87-101.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2018.01.012

Download free PDF via this DOI: https://doi.org/10.26092/elib/220

Highlights

• Research considered the technological development of solar photovoltaics in China over the past 25 years.
• Technological profiles and collaboration networks of PV innovators in China are investigated.
• A gap between China’s large share in global PV market and its modest share of transnational patents.
• Some evidence for technological catching-up in 1G cell technologies, solar panels, and electronics.
• Role of foreign actors in co-patenting activities is surprisingly low and decreasing.

Abstract

Since 2008, China has become the dominant force in solar cell production in the world. But what about technological development and innovation? This paper contributes to a better understanding of the accumulation process of indigenous innovation capabilities in emerging economies. It empirically analyses the case of photovoltaic (PV) technologies in China between 1988 and 2014 using patent indicators with a comprehensive definition of the entire system value chain. The contribution tracks the technological catching-up trajectory of the PV innovators in China and their collaboration networks against institutional milestones of industrial policy. Theoretically, the research draws on the concepts of innovation capabilities and technological systems. Methodologically, the paper uses patent indicators and network analysis to study patent co-application activities. The analysis shows a gap between China’s share in the global PV market and its modest share of transnational patents. However, it gives evidence for a gradual technological catching-up in the 1G cell technologies, solar panels, and electronics. This catching-up is being driven by an increasing population of Chinese patent applicants clustered in isolated communities. The role of foreign actors in the co-patenting activities is surprisingly low and decreasing.

JEL classification

D85, O31, O34, Q42, Q55

Objectives:

• To recognise the PV innovation capability in China
• To track the emergence and evolution of the Chinese co-patenting networks in the sector over 1988-2014

Research Questions:

• To which extent is China accumulating innovation capabilities in PV technologies?
• Which technological catching-up trajectory has it followed?
• What has been the role of local and foreign actors?
• How have the underlying technological networks evolved over time

Data & Scope:

• Transnational Patent Applications (tech. frontier) with at least one inventor located in China
• Analysis over 1988-2014

Methods:

• Social Network Analysis
• Patent Analysis

Main Findings

1. A gap between China’s share in the global PV market and its modest share of transnational patents
2. Technological catching-up processes in c-Si cells, panels and electronics (trajectory: Devices – Panels – Cells – Feedstock – Electronics)
3. Network analysis: increasing population of Chinese applicants clustered in isolated communities
4. Low and decreasing role of foreign actors in the co-patenting activities