Publication |
2011.
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Summary/Abstract |
This paper explores the potential civil use from the knowledge embedded in military technology. Using forward patent citation as indicator and from a comprehensive sample of 582 military patents with both US and European protection, we analysed the citations received for a military patents in subsequent patents. The technological origin of the citing patents will determine the use of a military technology. The methodology involves a descriptive analysis and the estimation of a multilevel logit model to determine the factors explaining the civilian use of military technology. The results show a differential behaviour among countries and types of military technology. Characteristics of firms, such as the technological experience of the company or institution in using military technology, are critical for a civilian use of the military knowledge.
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