The role on inter-organizational knowledge flows of patent citation network: The case of Thin-film solar cells

摘要

The technological network formed by the patent citation has a wealth of information on technological knowledge development. That is, the technological network formed by patent citation contains valuable information on knowledge flows. the O-I index compares the number of inflow links with that of outflow links at a single node level, so it cannot offer absolute information about the importance and role of a particular node in the entire network. This problem can be solved by using the betweenness centrality as another indicator. The betweenness centrality is defined as the number of geodesic path that pass through a node. the positions of the knowledge roles at different periods show that although most latecomers play the role of knowledge absorbers, some own important technological knowledge after entering the technology industry, which gives itself a place in the knowledge role. As well, some first comers lose its importance in the knowledge role. Therefore, through the knowledge accumulation and role changing process of thin-film solar photovoltaic technology, technological knowledge development can be more clearly understood, as well as the changing roles of different competitors at different periods, and different positions of the knowledge roles.