Knowledge production in technological innovation system: A comprehensive evaluation using a multi-criteria framework based on patent data—a case study on hydrogen storage

• Published in: World patent information Vol. 80; p. 102337
• Main Authors: Flamand, Marina, Frigant, Vincent, Miollan, Stéphane
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2025; Elsevier
• Subjects: Economics and Finance; Humanities and Social Sciences; Hydrogen storage technologies; Knowledge production; Metrics; Multi-criteria; Technological innovation system; Patent; Multi-criteria; Metrics; Technological innovation system; Hydrogen storage technologies; Knowledge production
• ISSN: 0172-2190
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wpi.2025.102337

Knowledge production activity is central within a technological innovation system. The number of patent applications is commonly used to evaluate this activity. However, it is subject to bias and inaccurate evaluations can occur. This article proposes a multi-criteria framework based on seven complementary patent indicators, taking into account the persistence, commitment, and coherence of knowledge production activities for a more comprehensive evaluation. We demonstrate the value of our proposal through a case study on hydrogen storage, comparing patent data since 2000 about three technological solutions: physical, chemical and adsorption technologies. Our framework clearly shows that physical hydrogen storage is the most advanced in terms of knowledge production, despite not having the highest number of patent applications. •We propose a multicriteria framework from patent data for a comprehensive evaluation of knowledge production activity.•Three criteria are proposed: commitment, persistence, and coherence.•Physical, chemical and absorption solutions for hydrogen storage are evaluated according to this framework.•The analysis shows the weakness of the knowledge production activity, except for physical solution.