While the development of new knowledge is becoming increasingly important in the emerging knowledge-based economy, the impact of technology on growth, jobs and welfare is determined largely by the way in which technology is diffused, absorbed and used throughout the economy. For technological...

Innovation increases companies' competitive advantage and spurs nations' economic growth. Businesses and public research organisations now patent more inventions than they did just a few years ago, and the number of patents filed in Europe, Japan and the United States increased by more than half...