Technology, resources and geography in a paradigm shift: the case of critical and conflict materials in ICTs

Critical and conflict materials (CCMs) are providing an important material infrastructure for recent technological shifts. Relying on text analysis of US Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) data, this exploratory study examines the geographical linkages between paradigms selected CCMs. Our descriptive finds evidence a clear association information communication technologies (ICTs) CCM intensity over time, striking resource–technology divide value-creating -extracting activities across Global North South their regions. The paper emphasizes need more critical, spatially sensitive approach to studying resource-based change expose its uneven development consequences.