Clean Technology Innovations in Germany: Human Capital Accumulation under Heterogeneous Knowledge Inputs - Data and Methodology Report

Abstract

This report describes the data and methodology of a self-administered survey of German inventors in three high-technology fields: clean technology, nanotechnology and mechanical elements. Responses were received from 1,932 inventors responsible for 14,873 EP patent applications between 1978 and 2010. The survey data contain potentially important information on individual characteristics such as professional experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and personality traits.