INTER- AND INTRAORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING PROCESSES IN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN FIRMS AND PATENT OFFICES

Abstract

This chapter focuses upon two types of interaction. One is the interaction between departments within the Danish Trademark and Patent Office (DKPTO). Additionally, the interaction between the DKPTO and firms is analysed. The chapter discusses in what ways an institution like a national patent office is important for product innovation, not just by providing an appropriability system for product innovations in firms, but additionally by improving the long-run capabilities of both firms and the DKPTO itself. The research builds upon interviews in the DKPTO, case stories from firms and of patent granting procedures.

With respect to internal competencies, it is found that no efforts were carried out to create environments for learning between the departments in line with the “learning organizations” described in earlier chapters. However, taking the tasks of the departments into account, the need for such efforts was not obvious. Links to external organizations are not only confined to industrial firms. Many firms, especially the large firms, would not mind if the tasks of the national patent system were moved to the EPO-level. On the other hand, in particular, small, new firms may feel more confident with a national patent office.

Citation

Christensen, J.L. (2004), "INTER- AND INTRAORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING PROCESSES IN THE INTERACTION BETWEEN FIRMS AND PATENT OFFICES", Christensen, J.L. and Lundvall, B.-A. (Ed.) Product Inovation, Interactive Learning and Economic Performance (Research on Technological Innovation, Management and Policy, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 309-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0737-1071(04)08013-8