Identifying core ICTs in green ICT innovation: a patent-based approach

Purpose This study suggests a patent-based approach to identify core information and communication technologies(ICTs) in green ICT innovation. Methods First, patent co-classification analysis is applied to the collected green ICT patents for constructing co-classification matrix. Second, patent-based cross-impact analysis is used to the collected green ICT patents for composing cross-impact matrix. Finally, the analytical network process is employed to the constructed matrices for determining the priority values of ICTs, considering direct and indirect relationship among technologies. Results High speed computing, other related technique, and digital communication technique are identified to be core ICTs in green ICT innovation. Conclusion The suggested approach can be utilized for both technology planning and policy making for green ICT innovation.