The impact of co-inventor networks on smart cleantech innovation: The case of montreal agglomeration

Abstract

We use patent big data and apply a combination of network analysis techniques to explore the social structure of the Montreal tech community and its embeddedness in the global innovation landscape. In particular, we focus on the smart cleantech segment. In doing so, we analyze the effect of inventor collaborations on innovations and the emergence of smart clean technologies and smart sustainable solutions in Montreal and their global impact. Our analysis reveals the importance of both local and international ties for the general development of innovations in Montreal’s competitive urban economy, with a stronger impact of international ties, in generating smart cleantech innovations. We discuss the implications of our findings for smart cleantech and cleantech clusters and for further development of tech agglomerations.