IPR and Standardization Strategies of Companies in the Presence of the Brussels Effect: Evidence from Finland

Abstract

We explore the intellectual property rights (IPR) and standardization strategies of companies active in Päijät-Häme region of Finland. IPRs and standards are important institutions that impact the rate and direction of technological progress and innovation activity. We explore how companies develop their IPR and standardization strategies and adapt to related institutional changes in the European Single Market. We conduct semi-structured company interviews and find that only a few companies have explicit standardization strategies, but several have systematic approaches to following the development of standards and IPR environments in their industries. We suggest a typology of companies’ IPR and standardization strategies.

Keywords: intellectual property rights, standardization, Brussels effect, regional competitiveness

JEL Classification: R11, F15, O32, O34