Summary:

The examination of forward and backward patent citations offers insights into the transmission of information across economies. For instance, when patent A is cited by patent B, this counts as a forward citation for patent A and a backward citation for patent B. The residence economy of the inventor(s) of patent A would then serve as the source of knowledge spillover, while the residence economy of the inventor(s) of patent B serves the user or beneficiary.

By analysing the residency status of patent inventors and the directionality of citations, we can identify the primary sources and users of knowledge spillovers to and from Singapore respectively, indicating the flow of knowledge transfer. Notably, the USA, Japan, Taiwan, and Germany emerge as significant non-domestic sources and beneficiaries of knowledge spillover to and from Singapore across both periods.

This week’s charts show the top non-domestic economies with the highest number of forward and backward citations for Singapore from 2000 to 2009 and 2010 to 2019.

Highlights:

• USA holds the top position in both forward and backward citations for Singapore throughout both decades, signifying its prominent role as the primary source and user of Singapore’s knowledge spillover.
• During the period 2000 to 2009, the Republic of Korea occupied a position within the top 5. However, in the subsequent period of 2010 to 2019, China surpasses the Republic of Korea and emerge as the sole new entrant within the top 5.
• In general, Singapore is a knowledge spillover beneficiary, as evidenced by a greater number of forward citations than backward citations directed towards Singapore.

Data Source: PATSTAT, Autumn 2022 Ver.

Article By TAN, Faith

Graphic By GE, Yixuan