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Mapping the importance of the real world: The validity of connectivity analysis of patent citations networks

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  • Barberá-Tomás, David
  • Jiménez-Sáez, Fernando
  • Castelló-Molina, Itziar

Abstract

Recent empirical findings have questioned the use of patent citations as a measure. This points to the need of validation of patent citations methodologies, which we address by testing a recent methodology for studying technological evolution, namely connectivity analysis of citation networks. We find connectivity analysis to be a valid tool to identify the reliable knowledge which opens the way to further technological evolution of a surgical prosthesis, the artificial spinal disc. We also illustrate how connectivity analysis represents how this reliable knowledge differs depending on the stage of technological evolution. The corroborated validity of connectivity analysis of patent citations may trigger a renaissance in the use of this kind of patent data.

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  • Barberá-Tomás, David & Jiménez-Sáez, Fernando & Castelló-Molina, Itziar, 2011. "Mapping the importance of the real world: The validity of connectivity analysis of patent citations networks," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 40(3), pages 473-486, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:40:y:2011:i:3:p:473-486
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    Cited by:

    1. Yolanda Reig-Otero & Monica Edwards & C. Feliú-Mingarro & L. Fernández De Lucio, 2011. "Generation and diffusion of innovations in a district learning system: the case of Ink-Jet Printing," ERSA conference papers ersa11p1834, European Regional Science Association.
    2. Epicoco, Marianna, 2016. "Patterns of innovation and organizational demography in emerging sustainable fields: An analysis of the chemical sector," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(2), pages 427-441.
    3. Epicoco, Marianna, 2013. "Knowledge patterns and sources of leadership: Mapping the semiconductor miniaturization trajectory," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 42(1), pages 180-195.
    4. Nemet, Gregory F., 2012. "Inter-technology knowledge spillovers for energy technologies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(5), pages 1259-1270.
    5. Marianna EPICOCO & Vanessa OLTRA & Maïder SAINT JEAN, 2012. "Mapping the scientific knowledge of the Green Chemistry community (In French)," Cahiers du GREThA (2007-2019) 2012-10, Groupe de Recherche en Economie Théorique et Appliquée (GREThA).
    6. Rossana Mastrandrea & Fabio Montobbio & Gabriele Pellegrino & Massimo Riccaboni & Valerio Sterzi, 2025. "Leveraging Knowledge Networks: Rethinking Technological Value Distribution in mRNA Vaccine Innovations," Papers 2503.14072, arXiv.org.
    7. Nemet, Gregory F. & Johnson, Evan, 2012. "Do important inventions benefit from knowledge originating in other technological domains?," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(1), pages 190-200.
    8. Martin Ho & Henry CW Price & Tim S Evans & Eoin O'Sullivan, 2023. "Order in Innovation," Papers 2302.13076, arXiv.org.
    9. Ha, Sung Ho & Liu, Weina & Cho, Hune & Kim, Sang Hyun, 2015. "Technological advances in the fuel cell vehicle: Patent portfolio management," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 277-289.

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