The tangible-intangible dimension of the value chain of lithium-ion batteries: The case of new vehicles

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Abstract:

The aim of this paper is to describe the value chain of production of lithium-ion batteries used in new vehicles. Unlike the analytical scheme from Lowe, Tokuoka, Trigg and Gereffi (2010) in which only considered the tangible components, this paper considers the intangible components (software) (Lara, 2014) are key parts to explain the value chain of the lithium-ion battery . To represent the tangible / intangible dimension of the value chain of lithium-ion batteries this article integrates information from case studies, and information contained in the database of patents of United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) (1973-2012).