Connecting NSF funding to patent innovation in nanotechnology (2001–2004) |
| |
Authors: | Zan Huang Hsinchun Chen Xin Li Mihail C Roco |
| |
Institution: | (1) Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems, Smeal College of Business, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;(2) Artificial Intelligence Lab, Department of Management Information Systems, Eller College of Management, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA;(3) National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22230, USA |
| |
Abstract: | Nanotechnology research has experienced growth rapid in knowledge and innovations; it also attracted significant public funding in recent years. Several countries have recognized nanotechnology as a critical research domain that promises to revolutionize a wide range of fields of applications. In this paper, we present an analysis of the funding for nanoscale science and engineering (NSE) at the National Science Foundation (NSF) and its implications on technological innovation (number of patents) in this field from 2001 to 2004. Using a combination of basic bibliometric analysis and content visualization tools, we identify growth trends, research topic distribution, and the evolution in NSF funding and commercial patenting activities recorded at the United States Patent Office (USPTO). The patent citations are used to compare the impact of the NSF-funded research on nanotechnology development with research supported by other sources in the United States and abroad. The analysis shows that the NSF-funded researchers and patents authored by them have significantly higher impact based on patent citation measures in the four-year period than other comparison groups. The NSF-authored patent impact is growing faster with the lifetime of a patent, indicating the long-term importance of fundamental research. |
| |
Keywords: | patent citations patent analysis information visualization self-organizing maps nanoscale science and engineering nanotechnology research and development (R& D) technological innovation government funding |
本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录! |
|