Theme: Collaborative Innovation and R&D Disclosures: Evidence from Co-patents

Speaker: Assistant Professor Zhongnan Xiang, Business School of the University of Warwick

Host:  Associate Professor Lu Tong, School of Accounting, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics

Time: 10:00-11: 00a.m., April 2, 2025, Wednesday

Place: Conference Room 650, Chengzheng Building, Liulin Campus

Sponsor: Major Basic Theory and Practical Innovation Research Team of Digital Economy, Research Team on Theoretical Innovation and Methodology System of Finance and Accounting with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era, Research Office of the School of Accounting

Introduction of the speaker:

Zhongnan Xiang is an Assistant Professor in the Accounting Group at Warwick Business School. Her primary research interests include textual disclosures and firm innovation.

Abstract:

This lecture will share that examines how firms’ R&D disclosures are associated with collaborative innovation, measured by co-patenting intensity. Compared to solo patents, co-patents are more uncertain and face a greater risk of proprietary information leakage. We find that firms with more co-patents tend to disclose less R&D information in 10-K filings, particularly when they face greater competition. The association is stronger when firms’ IP rights are weakly protected. These findings suggest that firms tend to keep R&D disclosures low when they share essential knowledge and when competitors’ value appropriation is more likely. We also find that co-patenting firms disclose more R&D information when they take advantage of their partners’ resources, capabilities, or brands. Also, firms’ incentives for R&D disclosures are weakened when firms are expanding collaborative networks. Altogether, this lecture will underscores collaboration as a key influence on corporate disclosures.