Diverse knowledge combinations in inventors and their role in driving climate change adaptation innovation - A patent based analysis

This study examines whether and how diverse knowledge combinations within inventor teamsinfluence the novelty focused towards climate change adaptation technologies. Using patentdata from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, a logit model is applied to test howteam-level characteristics impact the chance of creating novel technological innovations. Theresults suggest that while moderate diversity in teams might benefit innovation, excessivelydiverse teams have a lower chance to produce novel inventions, likely due to integrationchallenges. Teams with superstar inventors and those affiliated with federal labs oruniversities are significantly more likely to generate novel outcomes. Additionally,geographic proximity among inventors positively impacts innovation, whereas extensive priorteam collaboration and bigger teams show a negative relationship. These findings highlightthe importance of balanced team composition and institutional support in encouragingbreakthrough technologies for climate change adaptation.