IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/spr/trosos/v15y2021i1d10.1007_s12626-020-00066-1.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Technological Trajectory Analysis of Patent Citation Networks: Examining the Technological Evolution of Computer Graphic Processing Systems

Author

Listed:
  • Ichiro Watanabe

    (The University of Tokyo)

  • Soichiro Takagi

    (The University of Tokyo)

Abstract

This paper quantitatively analyzes how technology has evolved within the technological field of computer graphic processing systems. A path-dependent technological development path is called a ‘technological trajectory’ in the field of Innovation Economics. The technological trajectory of a technological field can be mapped as the main paths of patent citation networks. Using a method called main path analysis, main paths are calculated from the whole patent citation network data of the technological field. This paper examines how technology has evolved within the technological field of computer graphic processing systems using main path analysis. In addition, the change of the main paths over time is analyzed. According to this analysis, the appearances and disappearances of nodes on the main paths show certain patterns. First, all nodes observed on the main paths three times consecutively at 5-year intervals did not drop out from the main paths in the long term. Second, most of the appearances and disappearances of the nodes occur toward the end of the main paths. These observations are consistent with the technological lock-in process. The result of this research suggests that it takes less than 10 years to determine which technologies are locked-in. In addition, various patterns of the appearances and disappearances of companies owning patents on the main paths are also observed. Three companies are taken as examples to illustrate these patterns. These observations provide insight into how knowledge networks are formed.

Suggested Citation

  • Ichiro Watanabe & Soichiro Takagi, 2021. "Technological Trajectory Analysis of Patent Citation Networks: Examining the Technological Evolution of Computer Graphic Processing Systems," The Review of Socionetwork Strategies, Springer, vol. 15(1), pages 1-25, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:trosos:v:15:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s12626-020-00066-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s12626-020-00066-1
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12626-020-00066-1
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1007/s12626-020-00066-1?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Dejian Yu & Libo Sheng, 2020. "Knowledge diffusion paths of blockchain domain: the main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(1), pages 471-497, October.
    2. Roberto Fontana & Alessandro Nuvolari & Bart Verspagen, 2009. "Mapping technological trajectories as patent citation networks. An application to data communication standards," Economics of Innovation and New Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(4), pages 311-336.
    3. Bart Verspagen, 2007. "Mapping Technological Trajectories As Patent Citation Networks: A Study On The History Of Fuel Cell Research," Advances in Complex Systems (ACS), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 10(01), pages 93-115.
    4. Brian Chi-ang Lin & Siqi Zheng & Nicolò Barbieri & Claudia Ghisetti & Marianna Gilli & Giovanni Marin & Francesco Nicolli, 2016. "A Survey Of The Literature On Environmental Innovation Based On Main Path Analysis," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(3), pages 596-623, July.
    5. G. M.P. Swann, 2009. "The Economics of Innovation," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 13211.
    6. Arthur, W Brian, 1989. "Competing Technologies, Increasing Returns, and Lock-In by Historical Events," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 99(394), pages 116-131, March.
    7. John S. Liu & Louis Y.Y. Lu, 2012. "An integrated approach for main path analysis: Development of the Hirsch index as an example," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 63(3), pages 528-542, March.
    8. David, Paul A, 1985. "Clio and the Economics of QWERTY," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 75(2), pages 332-337, May.
    9. Possas, Mario Luiz & Salles-Filho, Sergio & da Silveira, JoseMaria, 1996. "An evolutionary approach to technological innovation in agriculture: some preliminary remarks," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 25(6), pages 933-945, September.
    10. Shih-Chang Hung & John S. Liu & Louis Y. Y. Lu & Yu-Chiang Tseng, 2014. "Technological change in lithium iron phosphate battery: the key-route main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 100(1), pages 97-120, July.
    11. Dosi, Giovanni, 1993. "Technological paradigms and technological trajectories : A suggested interpretation of the determinants and directions of technical change," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 22(2), pages 102-103, April.
    12. Xiao, Yu & Lu, Louis Y.Y. & Liu, John S. & Zhou, Zhili, 2014. "Knowledge diffusion path analysis of data quality literature: A main path analysis," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 8(3), pages 594-605.
    13. Martinelli, Arianna, 2012. "An emerging paradigm or just another trajectory? Understanding the nature of technological changes using engineering heuristics in the telecommunications switching industry," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(2), pages 414-429.
    14. David Dranove & Neil Gandal, 2003. "The Dvd‐vs.‐Divx Standard War: Empirical Evidence of Network Effects and Preannouncement Effects," Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 12(3), pages 363-386, September.
    15. Yan, Jianghui & Tseng, Fang-Mei & Lu, Louis Y.Y., 2018. "Developmental trajectories of new energy vehicle research in economic management: Main path analysis," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 137(C), pages 168-181.
    16. John S. Liu & Louis Y.Y. Lu, 2012. "An integrated approach for main path analysis: Development of the Hirsch index as an example," Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 63(3), pages 528-542, March.
    17. Heli Koski & Tobias Kretschmer, 2004. "Entry, Standards and Competition: Firm Strategies and the Diffusion of Mobile Telephony," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 26(1), pages 89-113, November.
    18. John S. Liu & Chung-Huei Kuan, 2016. "A new approach for main path analysis: Decay in knowledge diffusion," Journal of the Association for Information Science & Technology, Association for Information Science & Technology, vol. 67(2), pages 465-476, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    Cited by:

    1. Ichiro Watanabe & Soichiro Takagi, 2022. "NK model-based analysis of technological trajectories: a study on the technological field of computer graphic processing systems," Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 119-140, April.
    2. Wang, Xiaoli & Liang, Wenting & Ye, Xuanting & Chen, Lingdi & Liu, Yun, 2024. "Disruptive development path measurement for emerging technologies based on the patent citation network," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 18(1).

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Ichiro Watanabe & Soichiro Takagi, 2022. "NK model-based analysis of technological trajectories: a study on the technological field of computer graphic processing systems," Evolutionary and Institutional Economics Review, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 119-140, April.
    2. Junmo Kim & Juneseuk Shin, 2018. "Mapping extended technological trajectories: integration of main path, derivative paths, and technology junctures," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 116(3), pages 1439-1459, September.
    3. Flavia Filippin, 2021. "Do main paths reflect technological trajectories? Applying main path analysis to the semiconductor manufacturing industry," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 126(8), pages 6443-6477, August.
    4. Kim, Erin H.J. & Jeong, Yoo Kyung & Kim, YongHwan & Song, Min, 2022. "Exploring scientific trajectories of a large-scale dataset using topic-integrated path extraction," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 16(1).
    5. Muhamed Kudic & Mariia Shkolnykova, 2020. "From biotech to bioeconomy: New empirical evidence on the technological transition to plant-based bioeconomy based on patent data," Bremen Papers on Economics & Innovation 2002, University of Bremen, Faculty of Business Studies and Economics.
    6. Yu, Dejian & Pan, Tianxing, 2021. "Tracing the main path of interdisciplinary research considering citation preference: A case from blockchain domain," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 15(2).
    7. Chen, Liang & Xu, Shuo & Zhu, Lijun & Zhang, Jing & Xu, Haiyun & Yang, Guancan, 2022. "A semantic main path analysis method to identify multiple developmental trajectories," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 16(2).
    8. John S. Liu & Louis Y. Y. Lu & Mei Hsiu-Ching Ho, 2019. "A few notes on main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 119(1), pages 379-391, April.
    9. Alessandri, Enrico, 2023. "Identifying technological trajectories in the mining sector using patent citation networks," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    10. Zhou, Yong & Yang, Qijin & Lu, Shuo, 2023. "Research on the identification and formation mechanism of the main path of digital technology diffusion: Empirical evidence from China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 75(C).
    11. Shih-Chang Hung & John S. Liu & Louis Y. Y. Lu & Yu-Chiang Tseng, 2014. "Technological change in lithium iron phosphate battery: the key-route main path analysis," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 100(1), pages 97-120, July.
    12. Martin Ho & Henry CW Price & Tim S Evans & Eoin O'Sullivan, 2023. "Order in Innovation," Papers 2302.13076, arXiv.org.
    13. Huang, Ying & Li, Ruinan & Zou, Fang & Jiang, Lidan & Porter, Alan L. & Zhang, Lin, 2022. "Technology life cycle analysis: From the dynamic perspective of patent citation networks," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    14. Yu, Dejian & Sheng, Libo, 2021. "Influence difference main path analysis: Evidence from DNA and blockchain domain citation networks," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 15(4).
    15. Kuan, Chung-Huei & Chen, Dar-Zen & Huang, Mu-Hsuan, 2020. "The overlooked citations: Investigating the impact of ignoring citations to published patent applications," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 14(1).
    16. Kuan, Chung-Huei & Huang, Mu-Hsuan & Chen, Dar-Zen, 2018. "Missing links: Timing characteristics and their implications for capturing contemporaneous technological developments," Journal of Informetrics, Elsevier, vol. 12(1), pages 259-270.
    17. Ciarli, Tommaso & Ràfols, Ismael, 2019. "The relation between research priorities and societal demands: The case of rice," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 949-967.
    18. Dejing Kong & Jianzhong Yang & Lingfeng Li, 2020. "Early identification of technological convergence in numerical control machine tool: a deep learning approach," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 125(3), pages 1983-2009, December.
    19. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & Suhaiza Zailani & Yasanur Kayikci & John G. Keogh, 2023. "Examining Knowledge Diffusion in the Circular Economy Domain: a Main Path Analysis," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 3(1), pages 125-166, March.
    20. Ying Huang & Donghua Zhu & Yue Qian & Yi Zhang & Alan L. Porter & Yuqin Liu & Ying Guo, 2017. "A hybrid method to trace technology evolution pathways: a case study of 3D printing," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 111(1), pages 185-204, April.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Technological trajectory; Technological evolution; Patent; Main path analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:spr:trosos:v:15:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s12626-020-00066-1. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.springer.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.