Abstract
PurposeIn this article, the ideas and methods behind the “patent-paper citation” are scrutinised by following the intellectual and technical development of approaches and ideas in early work on patentometrics. The aim is to study how references from patents to papers came to play a crucial role in establishing a link between science and technology.Design/methodology/approachThe study comprises a conceptual history of the “patent paper citation” and its emergence as an important indicator of science and technology interaction. By tracing key references in the field, it analyses the overarching frameworks and ideas, the conceptual “hinterland”, in which the approach of studying patent references emerged.FindingsThe analysis explains how interest in patents – not only as legal and economic artefacts but also as scientific documents – became evident in the 1980s. The focus on patent citations was sparked by a need for relevant and objective indicators and by the greater availability of databases and methods. Yet, the development of patentometrics also relied on earlier research, and established theories, on the relation between science and technology.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt at situating patentometrics in a larger societal and scientific context. The paper offers a reflexive and nuanced analysis of the “patent-paper citation” as a theoretical and historical construct, and it calls for a broader and contextualised understanding of patent references, including their social, legal and rhetorical function.
Highlights
In May 1997, a study of citations in patents made the headlines of the New York Times
The paper tackled a key question in 20th century research policy, the relation between basic research and technology, by studying citation linkages between research publications and patents
By analysing the background in terms of policy setting and theoretical foundations, the emergence of patentometrics can be placed in a historical context
Summary
In May 1997, a study of citations in patents made the headlines of the New York Times. The article, titled “Study Finds Public Science Is Pillar Of Industry” (Broad, 1997), was based on a scientific paper written by Narin et al (1997). A science policy advisor asked to comment on the study suggested that: “It’s a wake up call for Federal investment policies”. The paper tackled a key question in 20th century research policy, the relation between basic research and technology, by studying citation linkages between research publications and patents. The full terms of this licence may be seen at http:// creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/legalcode
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