Patterns of innovation during the industrial revolution: a reappraisal using a composite indicator of patent quality

Alessandro Nuvolari, Valentina Tartari and Matteo Tranchero

No 13958, CEPR Discussion Papers from C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers

Abstract: The distinction between macro- and microinventions is at the core of recent debates on the Industrial Revolution. Yet, the empirical testing of this notion has remained elusive. We address this issue by introducing a new quality indicator for all patents granted in England in the period 1700-1850. Our findings indicate that macroinventions did not exhibit any specific time-clustering, while micro-inventions were, instead, correlated with the economic cycle. In addition, we also find were characterized by a labour-saving bias. These results suggest that Allen’s and Mokyr’s view of macro-inventions rather than conflicting should be regarded as complementary.

Keywords: Industrial revolution; Patents; Macroinventions; Microinventions (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: N74 O31 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his, nep-ino, nep-ipr and nep-lab
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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Journal Article: Patterns of innovation during the Industrial Revolution: A reappraisal using a composite indicator of patent quality (2021)
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