Invención y transferencia de tecnología en un país periférico: España, 1878-1939

This paper presents an overview of the findings in current research on innovativeness and reception of foreign technology in a peripheral country such as Spain. To that effect, patents held in place for more than ten years had been use as an indicator. These patents —whether by its value or quality— provide a more accurate view on innovation. A detailed analysis of patent records still a relevant source not only to deep delve into the role of the patent system but also to the characteristics and peculiarities of the technical progress of innovation in outlying countries. Moreover, the article seeks to explore the forerunners of this process as well as the dynamics involved in the patent renewal. As strategies and capabilities of both independent inventors and companies follow a different path, they had been consider separately.