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PostHeaderIcon Technology trajectories, innovation, and the growth of biomimetics

TitleTechnology trajectories, innovation, and the growth of biomimetics
Publication TypeJournal Article
Other Author Affiliations2007
AuthorsBonser, R. H. C; Vincent, J. F. V.
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part C. Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Place Published221
Edition1177-1180
Pagination

Publication rate of patents can be a useful measure of innovation and productivity in science and technology. Patenting activity in new technological fields follows a sigmoid (S-shaped) path. Qualitative and quantitative models in management and economics literature explain why such patterns of productivity may occur. TRIZ analysis suggests that patents are generated in bursts during the evolution of a product and that they are at different levels of inventiveness. The tendency is for the inventiveness to reduce as the product is more mature. This makes it possible to guess at the lifetime stage of a product and gauge its maturity and profitability. An analysis of patenting activity and other measures of inventiveness in the emerging field of biomimetics was presented, and future trends in biologically-inspired innovation was discussed.

French Abstracthttp://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/pep/jmes/2007/00000221/00000010/art00006
Citation Key10.1243/09544062JMES522
Original Publication75