This paper investigates the nature of bioinformatics inventions by analyzing technological contributions (patents). By analyzing data from USPTO, EPO, and WIPO, we shed some light on the antecedents that gave rise to what can be thought of as an interdisciplinary radical innovation. A quadruple helix of actors, entailing the exceptional role of single inventors, shaped the field. First evidence about trends and the role of non-patent references suggest that Bioinformatics has roots in science; the latter, still providing fundamental contributions for the growth of the industry and the patenting activity. A diversity analysis supports the view that scientific contributions (first and more than their technological counterparts) played an important role in sustaining the patenting activity in the Bioinformatics industry.
Scientific Inspiration, Technological Perspiration: a Longitudinal Patent-Based Analysis of the Bioinformatics Industry
APPIO, FRANCESCO PAOLO;MARTINI, ANTONELLA;APREDA, RICCARDO;FANTONI, GUALTIERO
2015-01-01
Abstract
This paper investigates the nature of bioinformatics inventions by analyzing technological contributions (patents). By analyzing data from USPTO, EPO, and WIPO, we shed some light on the antecedents that gave rise to what can be thought of as an interdisciplinary radical innovation. A quadruple helix of actors, entailing the exceptional role of single inventors, shaped the field. First evidence about trends and the role of non-patent references suggest that Bioinformatics has roots in science; the latter, still providing fundamental contributions for the growth of the industry and the patenting activity. A diversity analysis supports the view that scientific contributions (first and more than their technological counterparts) played an important role in sustaining the patenting activity in the Bioinformatics industry.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
