Matti Karvonen

Patent analysis for analysing technological convergence

Purpose – Fusion of new technologies and convergence has led to the emergence of new industries. This paper aims to present experiences of the concept of convergence from a patent citation analysis viewpoint. The main objective of the paper is to develop a tool for anticipating the emerging new industry segments. Design/methodology/approach – The patent analysis methods have been used to get an idea of the stage of new industry segment in the intersection of the paper and electronics industries. The authors distinguish self-citations from external citations, and further divide citations into two groups: within the industry and beyond the industry. Backward citations are used to evaluate the spill-overs between industries and forward citations are used to evaluate the significance of technology-based industry transformation. Findings – The recognized trends of the trajectory changes and growing overlaps of technological fields show indications for possible convergence between industries. Differentiating between external and self-citations within and beyond industry citations helps to provide more comprehensive prospects of a future technology competitive environment. Research limitations/implications – This study evaluated technology development in converging environments. It would be a scientifically significant contribution if the novel patent analysis methods could be used effectively for creating understanding in advance about the technology development and industry convergences. Originality/value – The presented patent citation methodology provides new insights into the analysis of industry evolution, technological innovations and business development related to converging industries and technologies.

BUILD-UP OF UNDERSTANDING OF TECHNOLOGICAL CONVERGENCE: EVIDENCE FROM PRINTED INTELLIGENCE INDUSTRY

The purpose of the paper is to analyze the dynamics between traditional and emerging new industries in converging industry environments. The paper identifies different convergence types and utilizes the framework to analyze the evolution of printed intelligence and RFID markets. The primary source of information is based on the main RFID industry players, patents, and 12 semistructured interviews conducted by the research group. The results reveal that the emerging industry is in the early stages of evolution where market dynamics are driven by complementary technological convergence and the previously distinct technological trajectories of industries have started to overlap. In parallel with convergence, a restructuring of industries is taking place in the near future.

A Tuned Value Chain Model for University Based Public Research Organisation. Case Lut Cst.

The Porter´s value chain model was introduced for strategic business purposes. During the last decades also Universities and University based institutes have started to use actions similar to private business concepts. A University based institute is not independent actor like company but there are interest groups who are expecting them to act like they would be. This article discusses about the possibility of utilize tuned value chain to public research organizations (PRO). Also the interactions of tuned value chain model to existing industrial network are discussed. The case study object is the Centre for Separation Technology (CST) at Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) in Finland.

Technological innovation strategies in converging industries

The objective of this paper is to analyse how industry convergence and technological trajectories affect the evolution of industries. The paper identifies different convergence types and utilises the framework to analyse the evolution of RFID markets. Research material is based on the patents and financial data of the main RFID industry players. RFID companies were characterised into four different clusters under the following headings: vertically integrated players, upstream focused players, downstream players, and paper and printing companies. The results reveal that the emerging industry is in the early stages of evolution where market dynamics are driven by complementary technological convergence. Patent and market data analysis also reveals that the previously distinct technological trajectories of the industries have started to overlap and merge to form new products based on integrated technologies. In parallel with convergence a restructuring of industries is taking place in the near future.

The Delphi Method As A Tool For Analyzing Technology Evolution: Case Open Source Thin Computing

The main goal of this paper is to show how the Delphi method works as a management tool when analyzing technology evolution. The paper also provides insights on how thin computing and open source can affect the future IT infrastructure development. The primary data was collected in a three round Delphi study consisting of the following interest groups: (1) Developers of open source thin computing, (2) Industrial experts, (3) Representatives of academic institutes. The Delphi method represents a workable research tool in technology management field to capture multifaceted and enriched view about industry evolution.

Patent citations as determinants of grant and opposition: case of European wind power industry

ABSTRACT The grant of a patent and filing of an opposition are important events in the lifecycle of a patent. This paper tests the influence of backward citations on the likelihood of a patent grant and, if any, an opposition. Since all citations are not alike, detailed analysis is done by assessing type, nature and origin of citations in European search reports and, where needed, international search reports. The nature of citations, blocking or non-blocking, is found to have a significant impact on the likelihood of a patent being granted. The effect of citations originating during different stages of patent pendency is also explored in this study. For practitioners, the study provides a landscape of the European wind industry that is characterised by popularity of the PCT route, dearth of non-patent citations and dominance of bigger actors. For academics, the study offers novel opportunities to utilise citation based indicators.

Major factors contributing to wind power diffusion

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to evaluate the linkages between the technological, market and political environment in the wind power industry and their contribution to market diffusion. Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation is based on a literature review of the wind power industry and policy issues in selected countries, patent and financial analyses of leading European firms and semi-structured interviews of energy experts. Findings – The results reveal that the industry is policy-driven and appropriate energy politics are crucial in continuing the rapid wind power market diffusion during the next decades. Wind power technologies are in an accelerating stage of evolution, and competitive technologies contribute to market diffusion and firms’ financial performance. However, without adequate energy subsidies and emission trading schemes, the industry will not be competitive in the energy markets, where other energy sources, including fossil fuels, are also subsidized. Research limitations/...

Patent value indicators as proxy for commercial value of inventions

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of patent value as perceived by different stakeholders in the innovation lifecycle. Data is collected using semi-structured interviews with inventors, technology transfer personnel, patent attorneys, consultants and examiners. Views are presented for the most common patent value indicators. A value indicator framework is developed for different stages in the patenting procedure. The paper contributes to a better understanding of value determinants’ impact on the value of patent rights. Results indicate that different value indicators are perceived differently by various stakeholders. More robust indicators can be developed by combining market data and customer knowledge.

Industry convergence analysis with patent citations in changing value systems

Fusion of new technologies and convergence has led to the emergence of new industries. This paper uses patent citation data of the paper and electronics companies to evaluate the importance of technological interfaces as a source of new radical innovations and industry transformation. Patent data were collected from the 84 main players operating in the radio-frequency identification value chain. The citations analysis method sheds light on the technology competitive arena and shows the macro situation of technology convergence. Added functionality is carried out so that traditional vertical value chain changes to horizontal value network. Technology suppliers offer technological services into parts of value network. System approach is used to bind new suppliers to the whole.

The future of decentralised energy systems: insights from a Delphi study

In this paper, we evaluate how decentralised energy technologies will develop in Finland in the next five to ten years. The development and potential impacts of technological discontinuities are analysed by using the Delphi method. The primary data were collected in a four-round Delphi process in the beginning of 2012. The experts of the Delphi panel were from the industry and academic institutions. The focus of the study is on an incumbent firms’ position and new business opportunities in a changing environment. By gathering data and insights, the paper also offers general views on future decentralised energy applications and market opportunities.