Abstract
In this study, we suggest methodologies for identifying promising and vacant technologies on smart farms by analyzing patent information. Additionally, a technology roadmap for smart farms is suggested using network analysis. The database of patents related to smart farms was extracted from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) by keyword search, and valid patents data was selected and clustered using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) algorithm. We also conducted the technical importance analysis and trend analysis to identify promising technology topics. By developing a patent map based on a self-organizing map (SOM), we were able to identify vacant technologies among smart farm technology groups. In order to develop vacant technologies, we presented a stepwise technology roadmap by analyzing the relationship between technology elements using network analysis. The proposed procedure and analysis method provides useful insights in establishing research and development (R&D) strategies for the development of smart farm technology roadmaps.
Highlights
Agriculture is one of the oldest industries in the world
We developed a self-organizing map (SOM)-based patent map that identifies the vacant technology fields
Smart farms are recognized as a technology that can overcome climatic restrictions and increase the efficiency of food production by utilizing ICT technology
Summary
Agriculture is one of the oldest industries in the world. Agriculture should be the most important industry for mankind. The production of foods has so far increased based on scientific and technological advances such as chemistry, mechanization, and automation. Smart farms are one of many very important agricultural technologies that have an impact on long-term sustainable food supply as well as the improvement of local and global environments. The UN has designed 17 goals for achieving global sustainable development, and smart farms are related with 4 goals directly and indirectly. Developments in smart farm technologies and applications in the world could increase the supply of foods to starved areas, help to secure clean water and lands from pollution, and promote the spreading of ICT (information and communication technology) infrastructures
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