Analysis of technological progression by quantitative measures: a comparison of two technologies

Abstract

It is apparent that quantitative information embedded in databases has significant value in analysing technological development. Studies applying different approaches have produced valuable case specific or policy related results by analysing quantitative data. Quantitative measures that would concentrate on monitoring technological progression, not individual organisations or topics, are seldom found. However, quantitative tools for monitoring technological progression would be practical as managers are trying to decide when to exploit new technologies. This paper presents the result of two emerging technologies, focusing on quantitative measures of analysing technological progression that would be objective, reproducible and valid across different technologies. The results from these two technologies help to validate measures that would focus, not on specific research organisations or research topics, but on the maturity of technologies.

Keywords:

• technology forecasting
• bibliometric
• metrics

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Arho Suominen

Current address: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Innovation, Knowledge Economy, Turku, Finland.