Evolutionary Aspects of Scientific Development in Research Fields of Quantum Technologies Driven by Heterogeneity and Concentration of Topics

The goal of this study is to analyze the variability of topics in research fields of technologies to explain scientific and technological evolution. Empirical research focuses on quantum technologies (quantum optics, metrology, imaging and sensing) to explain characteristics of the variation within and between research and technological fields that guide evolutionary pathways. Results suggest that quantum optics has a concentrations of occurrences in specific research topics, whereas quantum sensing has a higher heterogeneity of topics driving the technological trajectories of this technology. Moreover, the four quantum technologies under study reveals a significant diversity of frequencies in research topics within groups, suggesting a different nature driving the evolution of these technologies. Findings suggest a general evolutionary property of the evolution of technology: high heterogeneity in research topics, driving the technological evolution, is inversely proportional to the age of research fields. The original results here clarify basic aspects of the evolution of technology also to guide R&D fundings towards promising research fields and technologies