An empirical analysis of nanotechnology research domains

Abstract Research activities in nanotechnology have been strengthened worldwide since the last decade to provide a foundation for technological advancement by grasping nanoscience and technology opportunities. This paper aims to make a refined classification to understand the whole research spectrum in nanotechnologies. We also provide an insight into horizontal comparisons between the research domains using tech mining (Porter 2005) method. The findings show the regional strengths and weaknesses in nanotechnology research domains, indicating that the US has gained much strength in bionanotechnology research relative to other domains, and the other regions (e.g. the EU, Japan, China, South Korea and India) have gained their research strength in nanomaterials, nanoelectronics and nanomanufacturing and tools. The paper contributes to the literature of nanotechnology management by providing a categorization of nanotechnology research and offers a useful insight for academic and industry practitioners in nanoscience and technology fields.

[1]  Mihail C. Roco,et al.  Converging Technologies for Improving Human Performance: Integrating From the Nanoscale , 2002 .

[2]  G. Dosi.  Technological Paradigms and Technological Trajectories: A Suggested Interpretation of the Determinants and Directions of Technical Change , 1982 .

[3]  Sungjoo Lee,et al.  An approach to discovering new technology opportunities: Keyword-based patent map approach , 2009 .

[4]  Tibor Braun,et al.  Nanoscience and nanotecnology on the balance , 1997, Scientometrics.

[5]  Joachim Schummer,et al.  Multidisciplinarity, interdisciplinarity, and patterns of research collaboration in nanoscience and nanotechnology , 2004, Scientometrics.

[6]  R. Nelson.  National Innovation Systems: A Comparative Analysis , 1993 .

[7]  C. Edquist.  Systems of Innovation: Technologies, Institutions and Organizations , 1997 .

[8]  Shu-Hsuan Chang,et al.  A hybrid selection model for emerging technology , 2010 .

[9]  F. Malerba.  Sectoral systems of innovation and production , 2002 .

[10]  C. Freeman.  Technology policy and economic performance : lessons from Japan , 1987 .

[11]  C. Freeman,et al.  As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution , 2001 .

[12]  Martin Meyer,et al.  Publications and patents in nanotechnology , 2003, Scientometrics.

[13]  Kumiko Miyazaki,et al.  Nanotechnology innovation system: Understanding hidden dynamics of nanoscience fusion trajectories , 2009 .

[14]  Naoki Ikezawa.  Nanotechnology: Encounters of Atoms, Bits and Genomes , 2001 .

[15]  M. Meyer.  Does science push technology? Patents citing scientific literature , 2000 .

[16]  P. Zhou,et al.  The Emergence of China as a Leading Nation in Science. Research Policy, 35(1), 2006, 83-104. , 2006, 0911.3421.

[17]  Ismael Rafols,et al.  How cross-disciplinary is bionanotechnology? Explorations in the specialty of molecular motors , 2007, Scientometrics.

[18]  Steven T. Walsh,et al.  Roadmapping a disruptive technology: A case study: The emerging microsystems and top-down nanosystems industry , 2004 .

[19]  Bengt-Åke Lundvall,et al.  National Systems of Innovation: towards a theory of innovation and interactive learning London: Pint , 1995 .

[20]  Michael R. Darby,et al.  Socio-Economic Impact of Nanoscale Science: Initial Results and Nanobank , 2005 .

[21]  B. Carlsson,et al.  On the nature, function and composition of technological systems , 1991 .

[22]  Mark Casson,et al.  Industrial Concentration And Economic Inequality , 1993 .

[23]  J. Metcalfe.  Technology systems and technology policy in an evolutionary framework , 1995 .

[24]  Michael A. Wilson,et al.  Nanotechnology: Basic Science and Emerging Technologies , 2002 .

[25]  K. Pavitt,et al.  The technological competencies of the world''s largest firms , 1997 .

[26]  M. Meyer,et al.  Nanotechnology-interdisciplinarity, patterns of collaboration and differences in application , 1998, Scientometrics.

[27]  S. Winter,et al.  An evolutionary theory of economic change , 1983 .

[28]  Alan L. Porter,et al.  Tech Mining: Exploiting New Technologies for Competitive Advantage , 2004 .

[29]  R. Kostoff,et al.  Disruptive technology roadmaps , 2004 .

[30]  Binns,et al.  Europe says 'hello Dolly' to the biotech directive. , 1999, Drug discovery today.

[31]  Carlota Perez,et al.  Technological Revolutions, Paradigm Shifts and Socio-institutional Change , 2004 .

[32]  G. Dosi,et al.  Technical Change and Economic Theory , 1989 .

[33]  Staffan Jacobsson,et al.  Innovation systems: analytical and methodological issues , 2002 .

[34]  W. Bainbridge,et al.  Societal implications of nanoscience and nanotechnology , 2001 .