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Using hot patents to explore technological evolution: a case from the orthopaedic field

Hsi-Yin Yeh (Policy Research and Information Center, National Applied Research Laboratories Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan)
Chi-Wei Lo (Policy Research and Information Center, National Applied Research Laboratories Science and Technology, Taipei, Taiwan)
Kai-Shing Chang (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan)
Ssu-Han Chen (Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan)

The Electronic Library

ISSN: 0264-0473

Article publication date: 5 February 2018

246

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a visualized model of hot technology evolution to describe its development.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic concept is to divide a technological field into a timeline consisting of several patent clusters. Hot technology trajectories are then explored using their continuity, as well as the point in time at which they occur.

Findings

Patents in orthopaedics between 1999 and 2014 have been chosen as the research subjects and the field is divided into several hot technology trajectories. A further step is taken by interpreting high-frequency key terms. Three categories – spine-related materials, bone repairing materials and bone plates – have been identified.

Practical implications

The trajectories presented by evolving diagrams allow readers to understand the evolution of hot technology and help analysts to plan layout and strategies to remain competitive.

Originality/value

Patent clusters reflect the knowledge context of technology development. Previous studies have focused on only new technology evolution and have rarely explored the knowledge context of hot patents that have been frequently cited in recent years. Such patents often guide the development of technology.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This research is partially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), Taiwan, under Contract No. MOST 104-2815-C-131-002-H.

Citation

Yeh, H.-Y., Lo, C.-W., Chang, K.-S. and Chen, S.-H. (2018), "Using hot patents to explore technological evolution: a case from the orthopaedic field", The Electronic Library, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 159-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-02-2017-0042

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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