Analysis on Convergence in Green Technology Field Using Patent Information

Convergence means that independently existing entities create a new entity with a larger value through chemical bonding. Such convergence requires consilience of knowledge or discipline. Green technology shows a strong nature of convergence, having strong links between technologies rather than being an independent technology. Green technology can help the energy convergence society by producing energy through renewable energy, abandoning the way of growth of inputting large amount of fossil fuel like petroleum and gas, managing energy through a smart grid, storing energy in energy storage facility, and using LED or environment-friendly vehicle. In this study, we will measure the degree of convergence in green technology field to consider which field of technology actually converges in green technology. In the result, it was found that convergence was continuously increasing in green technology field, and the link between solar energy and LED lighting technology was especially strong. This means that convergence is happening between a technology of energy production and a technology that uses energy, and that the society is going forward to energy convergence society through green technology.