IPR Protection and Sustainable Economic Growth: Domestic R&D Level and International R&D Trade Cooperation Perspective

Abstract

Based on theoretical analysis and research hypotheses, this study uses unbalanced panel data from 107 countries from 2008 to 2020 to empirically analyze the impact of intellectual property rights protection (IPRP) on sustainable economic growth (SEG). The results demonstrate that IPRP promotes SEG directly and indirectly by enhancing the accumulation of knowledge capital through domestic R&D and international R&D trade cooperation. Technological progress reduces the positive impact of IPRP on domestic R&D but amplifies the effect of domestic R&D on SEG. Furthermore, political stability enhances the positive effects of IPRP on international R&D trade cooperation and SEG. This research provides empirical evidence for the role of IPRP in sustainable development and offers policy insights for governments worldwide.