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Divergence and convergence: technology-relatedness evolution in solar energy industry

Author

Listed:
  • Chunjuan Luan

    (Dalian University of Technology
    Dalian University of Technology)

  • Zeyuan Liu

    (Dalian University of Technology
    Dalian University of Technology)

  • Xianwen Wang

    (Dalian University of Technology
    Dalian University of Technology)

Abstract

Exploring and measuring technology-relatedness and its collateral technology divergence and convergence, would have far-reaching theoretical significance and academic value on the chain mode of technology development, and also on the mastery of the laws for technology evolution and progress. Taking the patentometric analysis of solar energy technology worldwide as a case, employing the methodology of technology co-classification analysis, choosing two indicators, namely, mean technology co-classification partners (MTCP) and mean technology co-classification index (MTCI), we have analyzed and measured the evolving process of technology-relatedness. The results not only demonstrate in a direct manner the continuously advancing character of solar energy technology in the tensions of technology divergence and convergence, but also reveal quantitatively that, due to the chain reaction of technology-relatedness, technology divergence and technology convergence would tend to evolve in parallel. Through these, it is indicated that technology divergence and technology convergence are two trends which would develop separately, react mutually, and serve as causation for each other, thus making chain progress and continuously pushing forward the innovation, creation and upgrading of technologies. This is a regular phenomenon on condition that the specific technology area is in a status of sustainable development. It still awaits further research on how to verify and reveal the general principles on the interaction between technology divergence and convergence by conducting empirical studies and combining patent analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunjuan Luan & Zeyuan Liu & Xianwen Wang, 2013. "Divergence and convergence: technology-relatedness evolution in solar energy industry," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 97(2), pages 461-475, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:scient:v:97:y:2013:i:2:d:10.1007_s11192-013-1057-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11192-013-1057-x
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    2. Li, Xiaotao & Yuan, Xiaodong, 2022. "Tracing the technology transfer of battery electric vehicles in China: A patent citation organization network analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 239(PD).
    3. Yuan, Xiaodong & Li, Xiaotao, 2021. "The evolution of the industrial value chain in China's high-speed rail driven by innovation policies: A patent analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).
    4. Yuan, Xiaodong & Li, Xiaotao, 2020. "A network analytic method for measuring patent thickets: A case of FCEV technology," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    5. H. Simon & N. Sick, 2016. "Technological distance measures: new perspectives on nearby and far away," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 107(3), pages 1299-1320, June.
    6. Lutao Ning & Martha Prevezer & Yuandi Wang, 2014. "Technological diversification in China: Based on Chinese patent analysis during 1986-2011," Working Papers 55, Queen Mary, University of London, School of Business and Management, Centre for Globalisation Research.
    7. Yuan, Yuxin & Yuan, Xiaodong, 2023. "Does the development of fuel cell electric vehicles be reviving or recessional? Based on the patent analysis," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 272(C).
    8. Kose, Toshihiro & Sakata, Ichiro, 2019. "Identifying technology convergence in the field of robotics research," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 751-766.
    9. Sun, Bing & Yang, Xueting & Zhong, Shen & Tian, Shengnan & Liang, Tian, 2024. "How do technology convergence and expansibility affect information technology diffusion? Evidence from the internet of things technology in China," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    10. Xia Fan & Wenjie Liu & Guilong Zhu, 2017. "Scientific linkage and technological innovation capabilities: international comparisons of patenting in the solar energy industry," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 111(1), pages 117-138, April.
    11. Jingjing Zhang & Yan Yan & Jiancheng Guan, 2015. "Scientific relatedness in solar energy: a comparative study between the USA and China," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 102(2), pages 1595-1613, February.
    12. Wong, Chan-Yuan & Fatimah Mohamad, Zeeda & Keng, Zi-Xiang & Ariff Azizan, Suzana, 2014. "Examining the patterns of innovation in low carbon energy science and technology: Publications and patents of Asian emerging economies," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 789-802.
    13. Berg, S. & Wustmans, M. & Bröring, S., 2019. "Identifying first signals of emerging dominance in a technological innovation system: A novel approach based on patents," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 706-722.
    14. Chunjuan Luan & Haiyan Hou & Yongtao Wang & Xianwen Wang, 2014. "Are significant inventions more diversified?," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 100(2), pages 459-470, August.

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