Anticipating technological convergence: Link prediction using Wikipedia hyperlinks

This study proposes a systematic approach to anticipating technological convergence that can be used to guide organisations towards reacting in a timely manner to challenges posed by increasingly permeable technology boundaries. For this, a technological ecology network is constructed using direct and indirect hyperlinks extracted from the Wikipedia database, and link prediction methods are employed to develop three predictive indicators of technological convergence. A case of 3D printing technology confirms, with statistically significant outcomes, that the proposed approach enables a wide-ranging search for future converging technologies. The systematic process and quantitative outcomes of the proposed approach are expected to be valuable as a complementary tool for strategic decision making regarding emerging technologies in the era of open innovation.
Source: Technovation - Category: Science Source Type: research