Efficiency-improving fossil fuel technologies for electricity generation: Data selection and trends

This paper studies patenting dynamics in efficiency improving electricity generation technologies as an important indicator of innovation activity. We build a novel database of worldwide patent applications in efficiency-improving fossil fuel technologies for electricity generation and then analyse patenting trends over time and across countries. We find that patenting has mostly been stable over time, with a recent decreasing trend. OECD countries represent the top innovators and the top markets for technology. Some non-OECD countries, and particularly China, are also very active in terms of patenting activity in this sector. The majority of patents are first filed in OECD countries and only then in BRIC and other non-OECD countries. BRIC and other non-OECD countries apply for patents that are mostly marketed domestically, but BRIC countries represent important markets for patent duplication of OECD inventions. These results are indicative of significant technology transfer in the field of efficiency-improving technologies for electricity production. ► We study innovation in efficiency-improving electricity generation technologies. ► Relevant patents are identified and used as an indicator of innovation. ► We show that there is significant technology transfer in this field. ► Most patents are first filed in OECD countries and then in non-OECD countries. ► Patents in non-OECD countries are mostly marketed domestically.