Assessment of Current Trends in R&D of Chitin-Based Technologies in Agricultural Production-Consumption Systems using Patent Analytics

Abstract

Chitin is a natural polysaccharide found in the outer skeleton of insects, crabs, shrimps, and lobsters and in the internal structures of other invertebrates. It forms a main source of production of chitosan, a more tractable material reported to have uses across a wide range of applications. <span style="mso-bidi-language:OR" lang="EN-GB">This paper discusses the current trends in R&D of chitin based technologies with applications in agricultural production − consumption systems. A conceptualised framework based on data collected through R&D indicators like literature and market products was first developed and used to assess the technology trends of these technologies in agricultural production systems using tools of patent analytics. The study indicates that the major applications of these technologies are in four sectors namely, crop management, food sector, veterinary and agri-machinery. Analysis of technology flow through forward and backward citation using a reference patent from each sector has also been done to assess trends in technology diffusion process in this fast emerging technology domain.

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