Cognitive similarity and the regional development of inventions: Heterogeneity across renewable energy technologies

Abstract

This paper finds that the development of inventions in renewable energy technologies seem to arise from cognitively similar knowledge located in the region, this being more the case in the last years (from 2010 onwards). However, despite this general conclusion, we observe a certain variability across technologies within the renewable energy realm. Our findings suggest that the role of knowledge obtained from local similar technologies depends on several characteristics: those renewable technologies that are more mature, use more scientific knowledge, and are more specific and less radical, benefit more from the knowledge contained in cognitively similar technologies within the region.