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Technological Trajectory Analysis of Patent Citation Networks: Examining the Technological Evolution of Computer Graphic Processing Systems

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  • Ichiro Watanabe

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Soichiro Takagi

    (The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

This paper quantitatively analyzes how technology has evolved within the technological field of computer graphic processing systems. A path-dependent technological development path is called a ‘technological trajectory’ in the field of Innovation Economics. The technological trajectory of a technological field can be mapped as the main paths of patent citation networks. Using a method called main path analysis, main paths are calculated from the whole patent citation network data of the technological field. This paper examines how technology has evolved within the technological field of computer graphic processing systems using main path analysis. In addition, the change of the main paths over time is analyzed. According to this analysis, the appearances and disappearances of nodes on the main paths show certain patterns. First, all nodes observed on the main paths three times consecutively at 5-year intervals did not drop out from the main paths in the long term. Second, most of the appearances and disappearances of the nodes occur toward the end of the main paths. These observations are consistent with the technological lock-in process. The result of this research suggests that it takes less than 10 years to determine which technologies are locked-in. In addition, various patterns of the appearances and disappearances of companies owning patents on the main paths are also observed. Three companies are taken as examples to illustrate these patterns. These observations provide insight into how knowledge networks are formed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ichiro Watanabe & Soichiro Takagi, 2021. "Technological Trajectory Analysis of Patent Citation Networks: Examining the Technological Evolution of Computer Graphic Processing Systems," The Review of Socionetwork Strategies, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:trosos:v:15:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s12626-020-00066-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12626-020-00066-1
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    1. Ichiro Watanabe & Soichiro Takagi, 2022. "NK model-based analysis of technological trajectories: a study on the technological field of computer graphic processing systems," Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 119-140, April.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technological trajectory; Technological evolution; Patent; Main path analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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