The impact of IP protection on scientific output: evidence from the plant variety sector

Pengfei Jia, Weixi Xie, Wencan Tian and Xianwen Wang ()
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Pengfei Jia: Dalian University of Technology
Weixi Xie: Dalian University of Technology
Wencan Tian: Beijing Normal University
Xianwen Wang: Dalian University of Technology

Scientometrics, 2025, vol. 130, issue 9, No 14, 5115-5141

Abstract: Abstract Although the role of intellectual property (IP) policies in promoting technological innovation is widely recognized, their potential impact on scientific research often remains overlooked. Based on extensive analysis of policy documents and scientific papers, this study investigates the dynamic relationship between IP protection for plant varieties and scientific output across 103 countries over a period of 20 years. Using a two-way fixed effects model, we reveal how changes in IP protection affect scientific research and knowledge production. Our findings indicate that, on average, stronger IP protection enhances scientific output. However, this effect is primarily driven by developed countries. In developing countries, the relationship is weak or even negative—suggesting that the impact of IP protection is conditional on national development status and institutional capacity. The effects of specific protective measures vary. Some measures have promoted scientific productivity, while others, such as the removal of breeders’ rights, have shown no significant impact due to their restrictive nature. Additionally, our analysis has identified an inverted U-shaped relationship between the intensity of IP protection and scientific output, suggesting that while moderate protection encourages scientific activities, excessive protection suppresses them by monopolizing resources and restricting knowledge sharing. These findings not only expand the theoretical framework regarding the role of IP in science but also provide new insights into its nonlinear effects, offering crucial guidance for optimizing IP policies to support balanced development of science and technology. The study emphasizes the importance of formulating policies that balance protection with access to knowledge in order to foster scientific progress.

Keywords: Intellectual Property (IP) Protection; Scientific output; Plant variety protection; Inverted U-shaped relationship; Policy evaluation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11192-025-05408-w

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