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A new instrument for technology monitoring: novelty in patents measured by semantic patent analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Jan M. Gerken

    (University of Bremen)

  • Martin G. Moehrle

    (University of Bremen)

Abstract

Given that in terms of technology novel inventions are crucial factors for companies; this article contributes to the identification of inventions of high novelty in patent data. As companies are confronted with an information overflow, and having patents reviewed by experts is a time-consuming task, we introduce a new approach to the identification of inventions of high novelty: a specific form of semantic patent analysis. Subsequent to the introduction of the concept of novelty in patents, the classical method of semantic patent analysis will be adapted to support novelty measurement. By means of a case study from the automotive industry, we corroborate that semantic patent analysis is able to outperform available methods for the identification of inventions of high novelty. Accordingly, semantic patent information possesses the potential to enhance technology monitoring while reducing both costs and uncertainty in the identification of inventions of high novelty.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan M. Gerken & Martin G. Moehrle, 2012. "A new instrument for technology monitoring: novelty in patents measured by semantic patent analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 91(3), pages 645-670, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:91:y:2012:i:3:d:10.1007_s11192-012-0635-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-012-0635-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Novelty measurement; Semantic patent analysis; Inventive progress; Technology monitoring; Citation analysis; Classification analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O34 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital

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