A technology opportunities analysis model: applied to dye-sensitised solar cells for China

We devise a multi-level framework to support and systematically identify technological opportunity. Patent data as a product of technology innovation is used to implement opportunity analysis under the framework. At the research and development level, we anticipate the directions of technology development based on technology morphology. Countries’ development emphases can also be investigated in order to help identify their research and development strengthens and weaknesses and seek possible, efficient development pathways. At the level of competition, we devise the assignee-technology analysis to obtain insight into competitive participants’ technical emphases and intents. It is also used to explore possible collaboration opportunities among them. At the market level, we apply family patent analysis to understand countries’ target market and assess prospects for the commercialization of their technology. Under the framework, we pursue technology opportunities analysis to explore China’s opportunities and challenges in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. The empirical case analysis supports the effectiveness of the technology opportunity analysis model. We believe it can be adapted well to fit other emerging technologies.