Patterns of Innovation during the Industrial Revolution: A Reappraisal Using Composite Indicators of Patent Quality

Alessandro Nuvolari, Valentina Tartari, Matteo Tranchero

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Abstract

In this paper, we construct a new bibliographic indicator of patent quality for English patents granted in the period 1700–1850. The indicator is based on the relative visibility of each patent both in the contemporary legal and engineering literature and in modern authoritative works on the history of science and technology. The indicator permits to operationalize empirically the distinction between micro and macro-inventions which has featured prominently in the recent debates on the origins of the Industrial Revolution (Allen 2009; Mokyr 2009). Our findings indicate that macro-inventions did not exhibit any specific time clustering, while micro-inventions are correlated to the economic cycle. In addition, we also find that macro-inventions were not the result of the activities of “outsiders” and they were characterized by a labor-saving bias. These findings are further explored in the context of mechanical engineering, where we find confirmation that professional and experienced machine-makers were responsible for the most important inventions, while machine users usually engaged in minor improvements.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftThe Journal of Economic History
Vol/bind80
Udgave nummer2
Sider (fra-til)597-598
Antal sider2
ISSN0022-0507
DOI
StatusUdgivet - jun. 2020
BegivenhedEconomic History Association 79th Annual Meeting. EHA 2019 - Westin Peachtree Plaza, Atlanta, USA
Varighed: 13 sep. 201915 sep. 2019
Konferencens nummer: 79
https://eh.net/eha/conference-program-and-papers-3/

Konference

KonferenceEconomic History Association 79th Annual Meeting. EHA 2019
Nummer79
LokationWestin Peachtree Plaza
Land/OmrådeUSA
ByAtlanta
Periode13/09/201915/09/2019
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