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Exploration of the evolution of nanotechnology via mapping of patent applications

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  • Masatsura Igami

    (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
    National Institute of Science and Technology Policy)

Abstract

This study explored the evolution of nanotechnology based on a mapping of patent applications. Citations among patent applications designated to the European Patent Office were intensively analysed. Approximately 4300 nanotechnology patent applications linked through citations were mapped. Fifteen domains of nanotechnology patent applications were found in the map in 2003. The domains cover a wide range of application fields; they are domains related to measurement and manufacturing; electronics; optoelectronics; biotechnology; and nano materials. Maps in several reference years registered the evolution of nanotechnology, where the breadth of application fields has been broadening over time. Direct and indirect knowledge flows among different domains of nanotechnology are seemingly small at the present. Each domain of nanotechnology is likely pushing the technological frontier within its own domain. The exception is sensing and actuating technologies on the nanometre scale. Direct and indirect knowledge flows to/from this domain describe their vital role in nanotechnology. Countries’ specialisation was also analysed. Patent applications from the United States and the European Union cover a wide range of nanotechnology. Inventive activities in Japan are, however, strongly focusing on electronics. Intensive knowledge creation in specific technologies was found in Switzerland and Korea.

Suggested Citation

  • Masatsura Igami, 2008. "Exploration of the evolution of nanotechnology via mapping of patent applications," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 77(2), pages 289-308, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:77:y:2008:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-007-1973-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-007-1973-8
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jun Peng Yuan & Wei Ping Yue & Cheng Su & Zheng Wu & Zheng Ma & Yun Tao Pan & Nan Ma & Zhi Yu Hu & Fei Shi & Zheng Lu Yu & Yi Shan Wu, 2010. "Patent activity on water pollution and treatment in China—a scientometric perspective," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 83(3), pages 639-651, June.
    3. R. Karpagam & S. Gopalakrishnan & M. Natarajan & B. Ramesh Babu, 2011. "Mapping of nanoscience and nanotechnology research in India: a scientometric analysis, 1990–2009," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 89(2), pages 501-522, November.
    4. Bo Wang & Shengbo Liu & Kun Ding & Zeyuan Liu & Jing Xu, 2014. "Identifying technological topics and institution-topic distribution probability for patent competitive intelligence analysis: a case study in LTE technology," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 101(1), pages 685-704, October.
    5. Guang Yu & Ming-Yang Wang & Da-Ren Yu, 2010. "Characterizing knowledge diffusion of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology by citation analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 84(1), pages 81-97, July.
    6. Douglas Henrique Milanez & Leandro Innocentini Lopes Faria & Roniberto Morato Amaral & Daniel Rodrigo Leiva & José Angelo Rodrigues Gregolin, 2014. "Patents in nanotechnology: an analysis using macro-indicators and forecasting curves," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 101(2), pages 1097-1112, November.

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