Technological trends in mountain logistics: A patent analysis

Abstract

Transportation and logistics in mountain regions are difficult due to the harsh weather conditions and complex terrain. It is crucial to have specialized expertise and advanced technologies to tackle such challenges. However, the field has unexplored domains, and available solutions are not holistically charted, necessitating a nuanced understanding of the innovation landscape and growth trajectories. This study aims to undertake a patent analysis on mountain transportation and logistics to unveil emerging trends, map technological advancements, and contribute to enhancing transportation systems. Relevant patent documents were extracted from the Derwent Innovation Index database through a keyword search combined with specific International Patent Classification categories. From these documents, technological fields were identified and grouped using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation technique, resulting in 12 clusters. Among them, seat and suspension control systems, intelligent vehicle control systems, electrical systems and electric vehicles, bicycle frame design, and safety devices are likely to attract notable interest in the future. The findings contribute to the academic discourse and hold practical implications for industry and policy stakeholders, offering a nuanced understanding of technological trends crucial for addressing transportation challenges in mountain terrains.