Exploring temporal relationships between scientific and technical fronts: a case of biotechnology field

Using hot patents to explore technological evolution: a case from the orthopaedic field

Purpose

This study aims to propose a visualized model of hot technology evolution to describe its development.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic concept is to divide a technological field into a timeline consisting of several patent clusters. Hot technology trajectories are then explored using their continuity, as well as the point in time at which they occur.

Findings

Patents in orthopaedics between 1999 and 2014 have been chosen as the research subjects and the field is divided into several hot technology trajectories. A further step is taken by interpreting high-frequency key terms. Three categories – spine-related materials, bone repairing materials and bone plates – have been identified.

Practical implications

The trajectories presented by evolving diagrams allow readers to understand the evolution of hot technology and help analysts to plan layout and strategies to remain competitive.

Originality/value

Patent clusters reflect the knowledge context of technology development. Previous studies have focused on only new technology evolution and have rarely explored the knowledge context of hot patents that have been frequently cited in recent years. Such patents often guide the development of technology.