Collaborative innovation of wireless communication in logistics: evolution of network structure and knowledge domain

The application of wireless communication principles and scenarios in the field of intelligent logistics has triggered innovation and patent output in the wireless communication domain. This study analyses the patent network of wireless communication collaborative innovation in the logistics field, covering the period from 2000 to 2020, and identifies the main innovation entities and changes in the network structure. The number of patent holders increased from 14 individuals in 2000-2006 to 525 individuals in 2014-2020, with universities taking the lead followed by enterprises and research institutions. The node degree grew 150 times, from 6 to 1500. However, the network density decreased from 0.0659 to 0.0109, indicating that despite the increase in the number of innovation entities, the collaboration among them is not close. The overall network centrality is relatively low, but some central nodes emerged in the later stage of the study, including universities, research institutions, and state-owned enterprises. The study suggests the need to strengthen collaborative innovation activities and knowledge sharing as the network continues to expand. In terms of the distribution of underlying technologies, "wireless communication in logistics" primarily focuses on technologies such as NEW RADIO (NR), NEW CORE (NC), and LTE.