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Exploring and Visualizing the Patent Collaboration Network: A Case Study of Smart Grid Field in China

Author

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  • Weiwei Liu

    (School of Economics and Management, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
    Management School, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5EE, UK)

  • Yuan Tao

    (School of Economics and Management, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China)

  • Zhile Yang

    (Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Kexin Bi

    (School of Economics and Management, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China
    School of Management, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150080, China)

Abstract

Smart grids (SGs) have been widely recognized as an enabling technology for delivering sustainable energy transitions. SGs have a positive effect on the development of the world economy and society. SG construction plays an important role in responding to global climate change and promoting the sustainable development of the world economy and society. Under such a background, this paper attempts to investigate patent collaborations of the SG field in China. Based on the application data of collaborative patents from State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) in China, this study employs complex network theory and social network analysis (SNA) method and conducts in-depth research on the patent collaboration network of SG field in China. The trend of patent collaboration was examined, the collaboration network of SG-related patents was investigated, the network characteristics, and the network structure were also explored. The results show that the proportion of enterprises participating in patent collaboration is relatively large for SG field in China, the percentage of collaboration relationships formed by different patent applicants varies greatly, and that the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) plays an important role in patent collaboration in SG field currently. It can also be found that patent collaboration is an effective form of cooperative innovation among different entities. Finally, three suggestions are provided in response to the existing problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Weiwei Liu & Yuan Tao & Zhile Yang & Kexin Bi, 2019. "Exploring and Visualizing the Patent Collaboration Network: A Case Study of Smart Grid Field in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:465-:d:198455
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    2. Yuan Yuan & Jinli Guo & Zhaohua Guo, 2023. "An Evolutionary Analysis of Higher-Order Interaction Collaborative Innovation Networks in China’s New Energy Vehicle Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-23, July.
    3. Angelou, K. & Maragakis, M. & Kosmidis, K. & Argyrakis, P., 2021. "The evolution of triangular research and innovation collaborations in the European area," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 15(3).

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