An Alternative Approach to Frequency of Patent Technology Codes: The Case of Renewable Energy Generation

Abstract This article proposes a methodology to identify technological transitions (TTs) by systematically using the total variation distance (TVD) metric. We use database of renewable energy generation (REG) patents exemplify usefulness TVD uncover moments where “big change” in REG technology happened. To do this, we compare observed frequency distribution codes filed between 1973 and 2015 US, spread across seven categories (e.g., wind tidal). two crucial TTs, one at beginning 1980s another late 1990s early 2000s. In this manner, reconcile qualitative evidence that registers major changes with quantitative measure reflects them. Policy evaluations or causality analyses often rely on identifying TTs accurately; therefore, approach is not constrained but helps reveal such transition whose characteristics are suitable for TVD.