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Measuring the effect of M&A on patenting quantity and quality

The seminar discussed the research paper Measuring the effect of M&A on patenting quantity and quality, written by Giovanni Valentini (Bocconi University).

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been traditionally seen as a means to achieve economies of scale, gains in market share, or geographical expansion. But more recently the relevance of technological motives for M&A has increased. In the paper to be presented at this event, the author explores the effect of M&A on the patenting quantity and quality by considering three measures of patent quality: impact, generality and originality. Applying a matching estimator to data from the U.S. medical devices and photographic equipment industry from 1988 to 1996, he finds that M&A have a positive effect on patenting output, but decrease patent impact, originality and generality.

Giovanni Valentini
’s presentation was followed by discussion from Georges Siotis from the European Commission and an open discussion chaired by Bruegel Senior Fellow Reinhilde Veugelers.