Using PageRank in the analysis of technological progress through patents: An illustration for biotechnological inventions

Arbeitspapier

This paper examines whether PageRank algorithms are a valid instrument for the analysis of technical progress in specific technological fields by means of patent citation data. It provides evidence for patent data in biotechnology. Recent literature has been critical with regard to the use of PageRank for the analysis of scientific citation networks. The results reported in this paper indicate, however, that with some minor adaptations and careful interpretation of the results the algorithm can be used to capture some important stylised facts of technical progress and the importance of single patents relatively well especially if compared to indicators based on direct inward citations only.

Object Details

• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: WIFO Working Papers ; No. 543

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives ; Management of Technological Innovation and R&D ; Intellectual Property and Intellectual Capital
• Subject: patent citations ; technological progress ; PageRank algorithm ; biotechnology

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Reinstaller, Andreas ; Reschenhofer, Peter
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): Austrian Institute of Economic Research (WIFO)
• (where): Vienna
• (when): 2017

Further information

• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/179297
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:45 AM CET