Comparing the knowledge bases of wind turbine firms in Asia and Europe: Patent trajectories, networks, and globalisation

Abstract

This study uses patent analyses to compare the knowledge bases of leading wind turbine firms in Asia and Europe. It concentrates on the following aspects: (a) the trajectories of key technologies, (b) external knowledge networks, and (c) the globalisation of knowledge application. Our analyses suggest that the knowledge bases differ significantly between leading wind turbine firms in Europe and Asia. Europe's leading firms have broader and deeper knowledge bases than their Asian counterparts. In contrast, Chinese lead firms, with their unidirectional knowledge networks, are highly domestic in orientation with respect to the application of new knowledge. The Indian lead firm Suzlon, however, exhibits a better knowledge position. While our quantitative analyses validate prior qualitative studies it also brings new insights. The study suggests that European firms are still leaders in this industry, and Asian lead firms are unlikely to create new pathways that will disrupt incumbents in the near future.

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