Using a new patent based technology indicator to measure the pace of technological progress for superconductor and semiconductor technologies

This study used the technology cycle time indicator (TCT) to measure the pace of technological progress in superconductor and semiconductor technologies, then to demonstrate its validity, compared it with the real cycles of technological progress described by the technology experts. The study also used the TCT to assess the positions of various countries patenting in the semiconductor technology field, then checked how the TCT assessment corresponded with the experts' assessments. The findings revealed that the TCT provided good assessment in each situation.