Patent analysis as a strategy for innovative decision making

Abstract

Applying metric analysis to the information contained in patent documentation has become one of the principal techniques for modeling technology scenarios for government, business and industry, research institutes, projects, etc. We propose using bibliometric indicators for patent research, identifying patterns and trends based on available technological evidence as well as detecting possible social networks in the "hidden web", which permits effective decisionmaking in the research context. A case study is used to demonstrate these concepts, analysing the EUA patents database and processing it with a tool developed by Pinar del Rí­o University. Ucinet software is used on occasion to map existing social networks. This makes it possible to produce results that demonstrate the relevance of patentometric studies to research projects, including the possibility of redirecting the objectives of a research project on the basis of this analysis.