Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Rethinking Technological Value Distribution in mRNA Vaccine Innovations

Abstract: This study examines the roles of public and private sector actors in the development of mRNA vaccines, a breakthrough innovation in modern medicine. Using a dataset of 151 core patent families and 2,416 antecedent (cited) patents, we analyze the structure and dynamics of the mRNA vaccine knowledge network through network theory. Our findings highlight the central role of biotechnology firms, such as Moderna and BioNTech, alongside the crucial contributions of universities and public research organizations (PROs) in providing foundational knowledge.We develop a novel credit allocation framework, showing that universities, PROs, government and research centers account for at least 27% of the external technological knowledge base behind mRNA vaccine breakthroughs - representing a minimum threshold of their overall contribution. Our study offers new insights into pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation dynamics, emphasizing how Moderna and BioNTech's mRNA technologies have benefited from academic institutions, with notable differences in their institutional knowledge sources.