Abstract:    Promoting the dissemination of technical information is one of the core objectives of the patent system. However, existing evidence suggests that R&D personnel do not prioritize patent information. It is crucial to identify the factors influencing R&D personnel′s utilization of patent information, as this has significant theoretical and practical implications for enhancing social innovation efficiency and innovation capabilities. In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 21 R&D personnel to collect primary data. Using a programmatic grounded theory approach, we analyzed the interview data and extracted 17 initial categories and 7 main categories. Based on this, we constructed a model of factors influencing R&D personnel′s patent information utilization behavior. Our findings revealed that distal factors such as cognition of alternative information source and cognition of patent information source′s reputation indirectly impact R&D personnel′s utilization behavior through the serial mediating effects of patent information quality perception and behavioral attitudes. Additionally, patent information quality perception influences R&D personnel′s utilization behavior through the mediating effects behavioral attitudes. Furthermore, behavioral attitudes, social norms, and control factors have a direct impact on R&D personnel′s utilization of patent information. At the theoretical level, the research results have clarified the influencing factors and mechanisms of patent information utilization behavior of R&D personnel. At the practical level, it has provided a reference for improving the patent information utilization policies and enhancing the efficiency of technical information dissemination of China′s patent system.

Key words: patent information quality, patent information utilization, influence factor, patent information policy, grounded theory