Technology Classification for the Purposes of Futures Studies

Ilya Kuzminov, Dirk Meissner, Alina Lavrynenko () and Elena Tochilina ()
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Alina Lavrynenko: National Research University Higher School of Economics
Elena Tochilina: National Research University Higher School of Economics
Authors registered in the RePEc Author Service: Elena Khabirova

HSE Working papers from National Research University Higher School of Economics

Abstract: The paper analyses problems associated with technologies classification for the purposes of futures studies, in order to ensure definitive inclusion of technologies in specific classes/types when conventional approaches to classification are applied. The evolution of classification approaches in the scope of science philosophy is shortly reviewed, together with the latest research on expert-based and computerised (algorithmic) classification and methodological dilemmas related to hierarchical aggregation of technological and production processes are analysed. Common problems with classifying technologies and industries frequently encountered in the age of converging technologies are examined, using the agricultural sector and related industries as an example. A case study of computerised classification of agricultural technologies based on clustering algorithms is presented, with a brief analysis of the potential and limitations of the methodology. For doing so a two-stage approach to classifying technologies is suggested, based on distinguishing between platform (multipurpose) and industry-specific technologies. An adaptive approach to analysing technological structures is proposed, based on many-to-many relationships and fuzzy logic principles.

Keywords: classification; typology; futures studies; science and technology development; technological structure; industry structure; text mining; tagging; network structures; fuzzy logic (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O14 O32 O33 Q16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 19 pages
Date: 2018
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cmp and nep-ino
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Published in WP BRP Series: Science, Technology and Innovation / STI, January 2018, pages 1-19

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