JOURNAL: Dynamics of knowledge production: A relational-event analysis of patent citation hazards in hydrogen technologies
Summary
Authors:
David J. Dekker
Heather McGregor
Dimitris Christopoulos
Heriot-Watt University
Dynamics of knowledge production: A relational-event analysis of patent citation hazards in hydrogen technologies
Sustainable Futures
December 2025
This paper examines the dynamics of knowledge production in hydrogen technologies through the lens of patent-citation networks. Using a statistical model, it analyses how knowledge evolves across different areas—production, storage, distribution, and fuel cells—by tracking how often patents are cited over time. The study finds that while the pace of innovation differs between these subfields, the overall structure of knowledge creation remains consistent. Patents related to hydrogen distribution show slower knowledge growth, suggesting this stage may remain costly without targeted innovation. The approach offers a way to identify bottlenecks and inform policies that accelerate progress towards decarbonisation.