Global Innovation Networks of Japanese, US, and German Companies Based in Asia: A Comparative Analysis

In this era of globalization, multinational companies are conducting innovation via global networks. This phenomenon was analyzed using international patent application data filed based on the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). More specifically, patents filed by Japanese, American (US), and German companies with at least one inventor located in Thailand, Singapore, or India were retrieved. The analysis revealed markedly different global innovation network patterns among Japanese, US, and German companies in the context of Thailand. Japanese companies typically exhibit innovation network patterns characterized by collaboration between parties in the two countries. In contrast, US companies tend to operate solely within Thailand. German companies differ in that they typically establish innovation networks involving Germany, Thailand, and one or more additional countries, or bilateral collaborations between parties in Germany and Thailand. However, when at least one inventor is located in India, companies from Japan, the US, and Germany exhibit similar patterns. The most prevalent innovation network pattern is collaboration between the home country and India. The second most prevalent pattern is a party from India operating alone. The third most prevalent pattern is an international network coordinated by the home country. When at least one inventor is located in Singapore, the situation falls somewhere between the circumstances identified for India and Thailand.