Impact of Intellectual Property Protection on Business Innovation in Sichuan Province

Abstract

This dissertation has three main objectives. First, it aims to elucidate the relationship between intellectual property protection and firm innovation in Sichuan province. Second, it investigates the impact of intellectual property protection on firm innovation outputs through technological innovation. Lastly, it explores the influence of intellectual property protection on firm innovation outputs through firms' R&D capabilities. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative analyses. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from questionnaires completed by 502 representatives of state-controlled and private firms in Sichuan province, China. The survey data was analyzed using SmartPLS and SPSS software to identify both direct and indirect impacts, as well as mediation effects. For the qualitative analysis, interviews were conducted with managers from both state-controlled and private firms in Sichuan Province, followed by content analysis. In conclusion, it is recommended that the national intellectual property policy framework be strengthened to foster a thriving innovation ecosystem, providing a strong theoretical basis for policy reform.