Enterprise-Led High-Value Patents Call for Patient Capital: A Data-Driven Empirical Analysis

Abstract

Abstract

High-value patents serve as a key indicator of regional innovation capability. However, existing research lacks systematic exploration of the structural characteristics and dynamic evolution of enterprise-led high-value patents. This study identifies and evaluates such patents from the perspective of regional innovation networks, providing a basis for optimizing innovation resource allocation, promoting cross-regional collaboration, and formulating intellectual property strategies in the Sichuan-Chongqing region. Focusing on enterprises in the Sichuan-Chongqing region and utilizing authoritative patent data, this study employs social network analysis to examine the development paths and network characteristics of enterprise-led high-value patents from multiple dimensions. High-value patent activities show an evolutionary trend from “policy-driven scale expansion” to “market-oriented quality optimization”, with an average growth cycle of 9.17 years. The cooperation network presents a “core-periphery” structure, with Sichuan and Chongqing as the hub, eastern coastal areas as the key region, and preliminary inter-provincial collaboration in western China. The technological layout constructs a collaborative innovation system centered on “computing” and “telecommunications”, evolving toward intelligent integration. The enterprise coupling network is characterized by the coexistence of leading enterprise guidance, industrial focus, and diversified collaboration.