Education Background

September 2016 – June 2020: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ph.D. in Business Administration

September 2014 – August 2016: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Thermal Engineering (interdisciplinary combined master‑doctoral program)

September 2010 – June 2014: Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Bachelor of Engineering in Thermal Energy and Power Engineering

Courses Taught

Postgraduate courses: Frontiers of Intellectual Property Disciplines, Intellectual Property Management, Intellectual Property, Theory and Practice of Patent Drafting, Patent Document Retrieval and Analysis

Undergraduate courses: Commercial Law, Innovation Management

Research Areas

Transnational patent competition, intellectual property institutions and policies, corporate patent strategy, patents and technological innovation, university‑industry technology transfer, technological cooperation, etc.

Professional Services

[1] Review Expert for Dissertations, Degree Center of the Ministry of Education (China)

[2] Anonymous Reviewer for international SSCI/SCI journals including Technovation, Telecommunications Policy, Technological Forecasting and Social Change, International Business Review, IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, International Review of Economics and Finance, Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments, among others

[3] Council Member, Hubei Intellectual Property Research Association

[4] Council Member, Hubei Law Society – Intellectual Property Law Research Association

[5] Long‑term provider of training and consulting services on intellectual property strategic management for technology‑driven enterprises

Journal Publications

[1] Wen, J., Yu, X., & Yang, W.* (2026). Spatio‑temporal shifts, driving mechanisms, and resilience dynamics: Unraveling the evolution of global innovation networks (2003–2023). Technology in Society, 85, 103192.

[2] Yang, W., Wen, J.*, Wang, F., & Liu, X. (2025). Trade dependency and technological specialization in the ICT supply chain: Structural dynamics and strategic autonomy in major economies. Telecommunications Policy, 103037.

[3] Yang, W., & Zhang, Y.* (2025). Standardization catch‑up strategy of latecomer enterprises: a longitudinal case of Huawei. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 150.

[4] Yang, W., & Chen, W.* (2025). A configurational exploration of how organizational characteristics and multidimensional proximities influence university‑industry collaborations. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 1‑29.

[5] Zhang, Y., Duan, H., & Yang, W*. (2025). Navigating the intersection: How antitrust law can facilitate fair standard essential patent licensing in China. Computer Law & Security Review, 57, 106146.

[6] Yu, X., Chen, W., & Yang, W.* (2025). Spatio‑temporal evolution, country differences and the role of proximity: An investigation of international patenting. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 50(2), 582‑619.

[7] Zhang, Y., & Yang, W*. (2025). Development and application of patent management maturity model: a capability‑based perspective. International Journal of Technology Management, 97(1), 57‑87.

[8] Liu, X., Li, X.*, Yang, W., & Zhang, B. (2025). How does patent mixed ownership impact university technology commercialization? Evidence from China. Technovation, 145, 103259.

[9] Chen, W., Yu, X., & Yang, W*. (2024). Is worldwide patent protection converging? A cross‑country index of patent protection strength 1990–2020. Technology in Society, 76, 102451.

[10] Zhang, Y., Li, J., & Yang, W*. (2024). The dilemma and improvement of anti‑suit injunctions in standard‑essential patent litigation in China. Computer Law & Security Review, 52, 105929.

[11] Chen, W., Yu, X., & Yang, W*. (2024). International trademark protection strength: 1990–2020. World Economy, 47(7), 3168‑3198. (SSCI, Q1)

[12] Wang, H., Yang, W.*, & Jin, M. (2022). Influencing factors and path optimization of high‑value patent cultivation in enterprises – Based on a dual case study. China Invention & Patent, 19(12), 61‑72. (in Chinese)

[13] Wang, H., Zhang, R., & Yang, W.* (2022). Challenges of the digital economy to China’s intellectual property system and countermeasures. Science and Technology Management Research, 42(11), 145‑151. (in Chinese)

[14] Ming, C., Yu, X., Zhang, B.*, & Yang, W. (2022). A patent infringement early‑warning methodology based on intuitionistic fuzzy sets: A case study of Huawei. Advanced Engineering Informatics, 54, 101811. (SCI, Q1)

[15] Yang, W., Yu, X.*, Zhang, B., & Huang, Z. (2021). Mapping the landscape of international technology diffusion (1994–2017): Network analysis of transnational patents. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 46(1), 138‑171.

[16] Yang, W., Yu, X., Wang, D., Yang, J., & Zhang, B*. (2021). Spatio‑temporal evolution of technology flows in China: Patent licensing networks 2000–2017. The Journal of Technology Transfer, 46, 1674‑1703.

Research Projects

[1] Principal Investigator: National Natural Science Foundation of China Youth Project, “Research on Transnational Patent Behavior in the Context of International Competition: Dynamic Evolution, Driving Factors, and Strategic Responses” (72404096), 2025.01–2027.12.

[2] Principal Investigator: Hubei Province 2024 Intellectual Property Soft Science Research Project, “Research on Early Warning and Pre‑control of Intellectual Property Legal Risks for Hubei STAR Market Enterprises” (Z20240136), 2024.8–2025.2.

[3] Principal Investigator: Hubei Province 2023 Intellectual Property Soft Science Research Project, “Research on Intellectual Property Protection Strategies Based on International Science and Technology Cooperation” (Z20230114), 2023.5–2023.11.

[4] Principal Investigator: Hubei Province 2022 Intellectual Property Soft Science Research Project, “Research on the Construction and Operation Mechanism of Industrial Intellectual Property Operation Centers: A Case Study of Hubei Automobile Industry” (Z20220106), 2022.7–2023.7.

[5] Principal Investigator: Wuhan Enterprise Intellectual Property Special Consulting and Service Project (H20210049), 2021.6–2024.12.