Abstract
Objectives Our objectives are to study the development and historical evolution of the bio/pharma cold-chain logistics industry in China. Bio/pharma cold-chain logistics has attracted a large number of scholars whose research has resulted in patents. Cold-chain modes like cold-chain transportation, cold-chain circulation, low temperature and multi-modal transportation have played an important role in bio/pharma cold-chain logistics. The implementation of cold-chain logistics also guarantees that the bio/pharma will always be kept at a low temperature state during the circulation process. The highlighted issues of drug safety make this more important. Statistically, the rates of cold-chain circulation and cold-chain transportation in China are 20% and 30%, compared to more than 90% in developed countries. Therefore, it is necessary for scholars to carry out scientific research on cold-chain logistics. Methods A scientific literature database including a patent information services platform was used. Data visualization methods such as a patent management map, quantitative methods and bibliometrics were used to study patents. Results The results revealed that the bio/pharma literature and cold-chain logistics technologies have increased substantially. Institutes and universities are the main forces behind basic research, and bio/pharma enterprises have begun to focus on intellectual property protection and technological innovation. Conclusions Institutes and enterprises should be encouraged to carry out cooperative research on bio/pharma cold-chain logistics, to promote cold-chain resource integration and transfer to the Midwest, and to strengthen bio/pharma enterprises to speed up investment in the secondary market in China. Acknowledgments This research was financially supported by the Foundation of Philosophy and Social Science Program of He’nan Province (Grant No. 2015BZH012) and the Foundation of He’nan Educational Committee (Grant Nos. 15B630005 and 2015-ZD-048). The authors would also like to thank anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
