Evolution of Technical Competence in CSIR: A Case Study using Patents Data

Abstract

The paper examines the growth and evolution of technical competence in the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) during 1976-2004, as reflected in patents granted to CSIR scientists in India. The areas of technical competence were identified and studied using International Patent Classification (IPC) code assigned to each patent. In all 2841 patents were granted to CSIR scientists during 1976-2004, which were classified into 352 technical areas. Of 352 technical areas, 46 areas alone contributed 1994 patents. Among these technical areas, 9 areas (1324 patents) were classified as highly productive, 13 areas (372 patents) as medium productive, and 24 technical areas (298 patents) as low productive. The analysis also identified areas of emerging competence and future potential on the basis of evidence of patenting activity, particularly, during the most recent period of 2001-2004.

DOI: 10.14429/djlit.28.7.125