# Science Quality and the Value of Inventions

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1903.05020 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1903.05020/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 12 Mar 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Logic Mill -- A Knowledge Navigation System](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2301.00200/) (2022)
- [Unintended Negative Impacts of Promotional Language in Patent Evaluation](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2605.04926/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Despite decades of research, the relationship between the quality of science and the value of inventions has remained unclear. We present the result of a large-scale matching exercise between 4.8 million patent families and 43 million publication records. We find a strong positive relationship between quality of scientific contributions referenced in patents and the value of the respective inventions. We rank patents by the quality of the science they are linked to. Strikingly, high-rank patents are twice as valuable as low-rank patents, which in turn are about as valuable as patents without direct science link. We show this core result for various science quality and patent value measures. The effect of science quality on patent value remains relevant even when science is linked indirectly through other patents. Our findings imply that what is considered "excellent" within the science sector also leads to outstanding outcomes in the technological or commercial realm.