Hydrogen is an energy carrier that has experienced alternating periods of ups and downs within in the energy agenda. Relevant pros and cons have been widely discussed but uncertainties still remain over the role that hydrogen could play in moving towards a clean and sustainable energy future. This paper presents a broad spectrum patent analysis on hydrogen technologies. Grounding on an extensive literature review and on experts’ taxonomy for hydrogen technologies, observed trends in patenting activities show evidence of no clear decline of the hydrogen economy. Sectoral technology development mainly benefits from studies in a small number of niches. Despite this concentration of innovation efforts, competing alternatives show faster improvements. Moreover, citation trends provide further insight on the liveliness of hydrogen technological progress.
Technology progress towards a Hydrogen Economy: an international patent analysis
RIZZI, Francesco;ANNUNZIATA, ELEONORA;FREY, Marco
2012-01-01
Abstract
Hydrogen is an energy carrier that has experienced alternating periods of ups and downs within in the energy agenda. Relevant pros and cons have been widely discussed but uncertainties still remain over the role that hydrogen could play in moving towards a clean and sustainable energy future. This paper presents a broad spectrum patent analysis on hydrogen technologies. Grounding on an extensive literature review and on experts’ taxonomy for hydrogen technologies, observed trends in patenting activities show evidence of no clear decline of the hydrogen economy. Sectoral technology development mainly benefits from studies in a small number of niches. Despite this concentration of innovation efforts, competing alternatives show faster improvements. Moreover, citation trends provide further insight on the liveliness of hydrogen technological progress.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
