Empirical Study on Patent Development in China Based on DEA Method

Patents are important indicators to measure the independent innovation ability level of a country or region and able to embody the legalization of the independent intellectual property outcomes, too. They are becoming remarkable in transforming and upgrading the economy and in effectively using and protecting the independent intellectual property outcomes in China. So, the paper has evaluated the relative validity of inputs and outputs of the patent activities in China from 2001 to 2008 by applying the Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) and determined the years with DEA validity and those without DEA validity. Based on the research results, the paper proposes that the suitable inputs of human and financial resources, their appropriate proportion, and the quantity and quality of patents are the key factors influencing the validity of the patent development, also, the paper points out the way and level in which the years without DEA validity are bettered.