Stephen Billington

Dr. Stephen Billington is a Lecturer in Economics within the Department of Accounting, Finance & Economics at Ulster University Business School. He is based at both the Belfast campus (Room BC-02-030, 2-24 York Street) and Jordanstown Campus (Shore Road, BT37 0QB Newtownabbey).

His research focuses on the intersection of economic history and innovation studies, particularly examining patent systems during Britain's Industrial Revolution. Dr. Billington employs both traditional historical methods and modern quantitative techniques including machine learning to analyze archival data on patenting behavior.

His recent publications reveal a consistent research trajectory exploring how patent systems influenced innovation during historical periods, with particular attention to the social and economic factors affecting inventors. His work connects historical patent systems to contemporary innovation policy debates, offering historical perspectives on current intellectual property challenges.

• Who wants to be a millionaire? Failure and bankruptcy in the pursuit of innovation during the First Industrial Revolution (The British Academy, 2023-2024)
• What's the value of patent examination? Evidence from Britain's 1902 Patent Act (2021-2022)
• What's the value of patent examination: Evidence from Britain's 1902 Patent Act (2020-2021)

Dr. Billington's research contributes to Sustainable Development Goals related to innovation, industry, and economic growth, bridging historical analysis with contemporary economic policy concerns.