An integrated social network mining for product-based technology analysis of Apple

Purpose Patent contains vast information on developed technologies because of the patent system. So, it is important to analyze patent data for understanding technologies. Most previous studies on patent analysis were focused on the technology itself. Their research results lacked the consideration of products. But the patent analysis based on products is crucial for company because a company grows by sales of competitive products. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel methodology of patent analysis for product-based technology. This study contributes to the product development strategy of a company. Design/methodology/approach The primary goal for developing technology is to release a new product. So it is important to analyze the technology based on the product. In this study, the authors analyze Apple’s technologies based in iPod, iPhone, and iPad. In addition, the authors propose a new methodology to analyze product-based technology. The authors call this an integrated social network mining (ISNM). In the ISNM, the authors carry out a social network analysis (SNA) according to each product of Apple, and integrate all SNA results of iPod, iPhone, and iPad using the technological keywords. Findings In this case study, the authors analyze Apple’s technologies according to Apple’s innovative products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad. From the ISNM results of Apple’s technology, the authors can find which technological detail is more important in overall structure of Apple’s technologies. Practical implications This study contributes to the management of technology including new product development, technological innovation, and research and development planning. To know the technological relationship between whole technologies based on products can be the source of intensification of technological competitiveness. Originality/value Most of studies on technology analysis were focused on patent technology itself. Though one of their research goals was to develop new product, they had their limits considering the products because they did not use the technology information in the technology analysis. The originality of this research is to use the product information in technology analysis using the proposed ISNM.