Bridging external capabilities and internal strategy: a resource dependence and dynamic capabilities perspective on green patent value creation

This research examined the impact of external patent agency capabilities on the generation of high-value green patents within China's electrochemical energy storage sector. It addressed a significant gap in understanding how these capabilities drive green innovation. The study aimed to analyse the direct effects of external patent agency capabilities on green patent outputs and explore the mediating roles of patent strategy and organisation. Data were collected from 295 professionals at Chinese electrochemical energy storage companies through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire. These professionals included patent managers, engineers, and analysts well-versed in patent agency operations. Analytical methods involved SPSS and Smart PLS-SEM, with structural equation modelling used to examine the relationships among patent agency capabilities, patent strategies, patent organisation, and green patent outputs. The findings indicated that external patent agency capabilities significantly enhance green patent production, with both patent strategy and organisational practices serving as crucial mediators. This study underscores the strategic importance of enhancing patent agency capabilities and aligning patent strategies and organisational practices to boost high-value green patent production, offering valuable theoretical insights for managing patents in green innovation within the Chinese context.