Tracking Technology Development Through Patent : The Case of Biotechnology

Taking into account the relevance of Biotechnology in the World industry and economic growth, this essay is focused on the analysis of the use of biotech patent information for determining technological trends and generating innovation indicators, because patents are an important technological information source, which is relatively up-to-date and available. For this purpose, the topic of intellectual property, especially patent systems, is reviewed, and its relationship and impact on Biotechnology. An example of the use of patent information for determining trends by means of Technology Surveillance is showed for a specific area. Finally, some considerations about patents as innovation indicator and base of technological development analysis are formulated