Using Competitive Technical Intelligence Patent Search Methods to Uncover Automotive Industry Trends

Patent information is widely known as a valuable source for Competitive Technical Intelligence (CTI) focused on competitor activity analysis in the technological field. Moreover, patent classification schemes provide us with a unique possibility to discover industry trend directions and key players in a particular field. This paper aims to describe the importance and use of a patent classification for CTI purposes directed towards the automotive industry. Design/methodology/approach: The authors have used the Global Patent Index bibliographic database to present search syntaxes with International Patent Classification codes to uncover the key players and trends in the automotive industry focused on forms of protection against, or prevention of injuries to drivers, passengers or pedestrians in the event of accidents or other traffic hazards.Findings: The patent classification plays an important role in narrowing down a specific patent search for Competitive Technical Intelligence purposes. It also specifies the innovation directions for a particular technology. The results of this paper show the ten main innovative companies in the field of road safety between the years 2014 and 2016 based on the searches, and indicate that Toyota is the leader in vehicle safety innovation in this period. We have also determined the ten main product invention categories, and that occupant safety arrangements or fittings lead current industry trends.Research/practical implications: The paper represents implications for CTI advanced search methods and activities leading to innovation. The search process can be applied in other technology fields.Originality/value: This paper proposes a method for effectively using patent information for CTI purposes focused on the automotive industry.