Open Science, Open Innovation? The Role of Open Access in Patenting Activity

TL;DR

This paper investigates how open access scientific research influences patenting activity worldwide, revealing regional differences and emphasizing the role of open science in fostering innovation and industry-academia collaboration.

Contribution

It provides empirical evidence on the relationship between open access scientific literature and patent reliance across regions, highlighting the impact of open science on innovation dynamics.

Findings

Oceania and Europe show higher engagement with scientific research in patents.

NPRs are more likely to be open access, especially with Sci-Hub availability.

Open Science enhances the link between academia and industry globally.

Abstract

Scientific knowledge is a key driver of technological innovation, shaping industrial development and policy decisions worldwide. Understanding how patents incorporate scientific research is essential for assessing the role of academic discoveries in technological progress. Non-Patent References (NPRs) provide a useful indicator of this relationship by revealing the extent to which patents draw upon scientific literature. Here, we show that reliance on scientific research in patents varies significantly across regions. Oceania and Europe display stronger engagement with scientific knowledge, while the Americas exhibit lower reliance. Moreover, NPRs are more likely to be open access than the average scientific publication, a trend that intensifies when Sci-Hub availability is considered. These results highlight the transformative impact of Open Science on global innovation dynamics. By facilitating broader access to research, Open Science strengthens the link between academia and industry, underscoring the need for policies that promote equitable and science-based innovation, particularly in developing regions.