An analysis of gender disparities in invention patent and patent citations across Chinese cities, 1985-2021

Abstract

Scientific and technological innovation have been a strategic foundation for transforming China into a modern nation and encouraging high-quality development (Xuesong, 2021). The modern innovation system heavily relies on patent innovation, and is essential for China to prioritize the development of innovation patents. China's ability for innovation and scientific and technology advancement has dramatically increased in recent years, contributing significantly to the country's economic and social progress. Nevertheless, there is an imbalanced development between male and female inventors in China. This dissertation explores the extent of gender disparities in the field of patent invention in China by using the granted invention patent data during the period of 1985 to 2021. This dissertation contributes to the study of gender disparities and regional disparities in patent citations, which is the first such original research in studying these fields in China.

By using Chinese patent data to identify disparities in inventors, this dissertation intends to expose the evidence of gender disparities in invention patents, patent citations, and the unequal development of patent inventions across Chinese cities. In this dissertation, we find the empirical data results, exposing five key findings: 1) The proportion of patents invented by males is much greater than that of female-participated patents. Additionally, patents are concentrated in the developed regions, such as the Yangtze River Delta region, the Pearl River Delta region, coastal areas and municipalities directly under the Central Government. 2) Female-participated patents are less likely to receive citations than the patents invented by males. 3) In every technology category, patents invented by males are more likely to receive citations than the female-participated patents. 4) There are geographic differences in receiving citations by female-participated patents across Chinese cities, though the gap has been narrowed down.