Mapping of palm oil technology based on patent information analysis

Abstract

Patent system has been implemented globally to protect intellectual property in technology. Patent information analysis has been used for various purposes, including technology mapping, technology forecasts, business intelligence, patent portfolios, and others. Indonesia is the largest producer and exporter of palm oil in the world thus palm oil is one of Indonesia’s largest foreign exchange earning commodities, but Indonesia’s palm oil research activities are still lagging behind Malaysia. This study aims to map the conditions and development of palm oil technology in the world and Indonesia based on patent information analysis that expected to be an input for researchers & policy maker (government, university, R&D institution) in structuring of research and development strategic planning to produce applicative researches which suitable to industry needs. Patent information analysis of palm oil in this study includes technology life cycle, technology classification, patent applicants, market size of technology, and experts of palm oil technology. Mapping of palm oil technology based on patent information analysis in this study shows the development of palm oil technology both in the world and Indonesia are in the stage of growth. In the period 1997-2016, technologies that were widely developed were production of oil and fat from palm oil raw materials and enzyme utilization for synthesis of organic compounds, processing of wastewater and fertilizers from palm oil waste, cultivation or nursery of oil palm, herbal preparations, and utilization of oil palm biomass for particle board. Data on patent applicants for palm oil in the world shows that 83% of patent applicants came from companies, where the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) is the largest producer of palm oil technology in the world.