Studying the Mobility of Technology Positioning with Change in Patent Portfolio

摘要

Patent is an important indicator of a firm's R&D performance. The objective of this study is to discuss the impact of change in patent portfolio on the mobility of technology positioning. We researched 37 firms that are representative in business method patent of US Class 705. These firms have experienced three stages of the Internet life cycle. Five technology groups are formed based on cluster analysis. We also study if there existed group movements among the 37 companies during the three stages. In addition, we classify these five groups into three technology categories: postage metering technology, information and Internet technology, and business technology. Finally, this study discusses the trend of technology group development, and makes suggestions as to how to develop "co-petition " strategies between or within technology groups.