Identify cross-country knowledge flow and innovation trajectory: insights from patent citation network analysis of 5G technology

Abstract

ABSTRACT Identifying cross-border knowledge flow and innovation trajectory helps a nation to achieve competitive advantages in the technology race. This paper uses a comprehensive patent analysis method and assessment of national innovation capability to visualise the innovation trajectory and core technology flow of 5G technology across countries (regions) from 2002 to 2019. Firstly, we uncover technology leading countries, technology imitating countries, technology participating countries, and technology holding countries by assessing the level of national technology innovation capability and identifying their development trajectory. Secondly, we observe that China, Japan, and South Korea show more prominence in pictorial communication; the United States focuses on waveguide-related technology, while European countries emphasise antenna-related technology. Finally, we study the diffusion and flow of 5G dominated technology and analyze the technology layout of 5G technology leading countries. The novelty of this study lies in revealing the relationship and significance between the national level of innovation trajectory and the technology level of knowledge flow trajectory. The paper provides implications for the investment of scientific research funds and the choice of cooperative countries in the future. The proposed identification framework of cross-border knowledge flow and innovation trajectory can be applied to other science and technology domains.