Background:
The sustainable development of the building industry has drawn increasing
attention around the world. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology play an important role in the processes
of energy saving and reducing consumption in the building industry. Nanotechnology patents provide
key technological support for the green development of the building industry. Based on patent data in
China, this paper quantitatively analyzed the application of nanotechnology patents in the building industry
and the time trend, regional differences, and evolution of China's nano-patent applications in the
building field.
Methods:
In this study, the environmental total factor productivity of the building industry considering
carbon constraints was determined and then used as the dependent variable to measure the green development
of the building industry. On this basis, a panel data regression model was constructed to determine
the impact of nano-patents on the green development of the building industry.
Results:
Nanotechnology patents in the building industry can significantly improve total factor productivity.
From the perspective of patent composition, technology-based patents that focus on substantial
innovation can significantly promote the green development of the building industry, whereas strategic
patents show a significant inhibitory effect. Regionally, the western region of China has the advantage
of being less developed and thus more efficient than the central and eastern regions in the application
of new nano-products. Finally, the research also showed a significant lag in the application of China's
nanotechnology patents and low implementation efficiency.
Conclusion:
Nano patents can promote green development in the building industry, but there is room
for improvement in the speed with which laboratory inventions are transformed into building engineering
applications.
