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

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.

Data envelopment analysis in financial services: a citations network analysis of banks, insurance companies and money market funds

“…Since the work of Garfield et al (1964), the study of citations to scientific publications has received increasing attention from network analysts, and the network analysis literature includes a growing number of contributions on identification of the so called main path, that is, the main flow of ideas underlying the field of analysis (Necmi Kemal Avkiran and Alpert 2015;Nerur et al 2008;Whitley and Galliers 2007); technological developments and trajectories in various scientific fields (Barberá-Tomás et al 2011;Bekkers and Martinelli 2012;Bhupatiraju et al 2012;Breschi and Lissoni 2003;Epicoco 2013;Fontana et al 2009;Martinelli 2012;Mina et al 2007); and emerging knowledge trends within disciplines (Ding et al 2013;Emrouznejad and Marra 2014;Fan et al 2014;Lampe and Hilgers 2014; J. S. Rotolo et al 2013). Network analysis assumes that, in a citations network (see Figure 1), document B cites document A, in other words, B relies on A to some extent.…”

Comparing the International Knowledge Flow of China’s Wind and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Industries: Patent Analysis and Implications for Sustainable Development

“…Patents citation clustering analysis allows for us to find the core technologies of the leading firms in a global industry and allows for the innovation trajectory of firms and nations to be extrapolated in comparison with other technologies [17,53,54]. It allows for us to discern a technology trajectory based on an analysis of the relevance of existing patents within a firm's portfolio, which can indicate the future of technological innovations.…”

“…Analysing the EPs for the leading firms allows for a determination of the leading firms' position within the global network. This approach has been validated in studies on fuel cells [54], medical knowledge, telecommunications switching [57], data communication standards, and connectivity analysis [53].…”

The value of indirect ties in citation networks: SNA analysis with OWA operator weights

“…Fontana et al [30] use patent citation networks to study the evolution of data communications technology. Barberá-Tomás et al [5] apply SNA algorithms to the patent citation network of a single product, the artificial intervertebral disc, to show its scientific development in the US. Choi et al [19] analyse keyword networks in management information system research to understand the evolution of knowledge in the field.…”