Eco-system mapping of techno-science linkages at the level of scholarly journals and fields

Abstract

Patents relate the scientific, technological, and business dimensions of eco-systems. Based on the number of references to patents aggregated at the level of journals, we map two indicators of linkages between the sciences and technologies: patent intensity (PI) and patent density (PD). Journal maps can be overlaid with the values of PD and PI so that the portfolios can be visually identified and compared across fields. Patent citations are only systemic in Chemistry and Nano Science, but these linkages show declining trends. The continuity in terms of citing patents in successive years in these eco-systems are also significantly higher than in other fields. Patent citations are very specific in domains other than Chemistry and Nano Science. Patent citation in the Social Sciences, however, is above expectation.