Abstract
In Finland, the history of patents is some 160 years old.
However, the number of patents have been used as an
indicator for innovative and economic activity only for
last forty years. Compared to research and development
(R&D) expenditure, however, the use of patent data has
always only been the second best solution. Benefits of
patent data are that long time series are available and
they have become increasingly computer readible,
classified into specific technological classes. These
series only show minor disturbances caused by changes of
legislation. Recently, studies related to patents have
gone towards more micro-oriented issues. Thus, to see
patents as macroeconomic indicators, old - and almost
forgotten - approaches are needed.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 19-21 |
| Journal | IPRinfo |
| Issue number | 1/2003 |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 |
| MoE publication type | D1 Article in a trade journal |