Innovation Position: A Quantitative Analysis to Evaluate the Efficiency of Research and Development on the Basis of Patent Data

Using patent data, we propose a new quantitative analysis to investigate the integration type and degree of leading edge technologies in order to examine the research & development (R&D) status, efficiency and strategies of companies. Defining three types of categorization based on IPC (International Patent Classification) and CO-IPC of patents, the concept of “innovation position” is introduced. Focusing in the Japanese patents concerning “fuel cell batteries”, it is shown that the progress status of R&D in various industrial sectors and also the differences of companies’ core competences are reflected in innovation positions. Furthermore, by utilizing F terms, that are Japanese unique patent classification codes supplementing IPC, the characteristics and strong points of companies even in similar innovation positions are shown to be highlighted from technological viewpoint. Our approach shed brighter light on further comprehension of technological linkages and innovation.