Science, technology and innovation exploration in biophotonics through a scientometric approach

Our capacity to produce and store data has been continuously increasing in the last few years. Therefore, it is essential that our capacity in processing this data does not fall behind. This paper presents and applies a process to retrieve, organize (Bibexcel) and visualize (Pajek) information from scientific (Web of Science) and technological (Derwent World Patent Index) repositories in the biophotonics arena, considering Brazil, China, and the United States. The methodology proposed here can be used to construct solid indicators in science, technology and innovation as a support for decision making in public policies. The proposed process contributes not only as a methodological guidance for scientometric studies, but also as a discussion of how Scientometric approaches can be applied, in practice, to help understand a specific area of research, seen through the lenses of different perspectives and countries. The results of this paper are the development of indicators that will allow more accurate assessments of science, technology, and innovation.