How Multinational Corporations Shape the Diffusion of Healthcare Innovation Through Patents

This study aims to provide insights into how patents held by multinational companies contribute to - or hinder - the diffusion of health innovations.

This is what we will do

This research employs a quantitative analysis of large-scale international patent datasets to identify the primary factors influencing MNCs’ patenting behaviors. By leveraging big data and statistical modeling, the study will examine patenting trends across different regions and assess the impact of economic conditions, intellectual property regulations, and global events on corporate patenting strategies.

Objective

The findings aim to provide insights into how patents contribute to—or hinder—the diffusion of healthcare technologies.

This research is particularly relevant for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academics interested in innovation management and intellectual property strategy. Understanding the motivations behind patenting decisions will help optimize policies that balance corporate interests with broader public health objectives.

Collaboration partners

This project welcomes collaboration from industry experts, and institutions focusing on healthcare innovation, intellectual property, and business strategy.

Why is there a need to investigate this?

Patents play a crucial role in the diffusion of healthcare innovations, influencing both technological progress and market accessibility. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are key drivers of healthcare innovation, yet their decisions to patent new technologies are shaped by complex financial, geopolitical, and strategic considerations.