Algae biofuel may be poised for growth, but which segments are growing and which are not?
We explored the overall technology landscape database for algae biofuel using the Vitality Plot (TM) measurement from the previous post. There, we made a “transformation” to let us SEE which where the newest, hottest segments or the oldest, coldest segments that were located at the edges of the plot. Now let’s explore the edges in algae biofuel in just a little more detail before we move on to other questions.
Algae biofuel segments in that are slowing (A) and segments that are expanding (B) more rapidly than the database as a whole.
Let’s start with Figure B.
Most active segments in the algae biofuel techology landscape
Don’t forget that a segment is represented by a diamond. In this case, we are viewing the lower right corner – the unusually (vs the whole database) active segments in the algae biofuel landscape. It is expanded so that we can easily read the labels. There are some features that interest me.
- Many of the most active segments are related to end products or end-game processes such as biomass catalysts, gasification, solar etc.
- Photobioreactor or bioreactor is an active new segment.
- Perhaps surprisingly, only the microalgae segment is unusually active. As we will see below many of the algae segments are much less active hinting that research choices have already been made.
- What do you see that you find surprising?
Figure A represents the LEAST active segments in the algae biofuel technology landscape.
The LEAST active segments in the algae biofuel technology landscape
Figure A represents segments that are growing slower that than expected relative to the entire algae biofuel technology landscape. We are viewing the lower left portion of the whole Vitality Plot in order to more easily see the labels. Several feature interest me here.
- Many algae “type” segments (green highlights) are growing slower than the whole database. This indicates that the R&D decisions about which algae is useful in which market segment has already been made. At first I found this surprising, but realizing that the US government had explored algae very thoroughly in the past, it is less surprising.
- Also surprising is that several separation steps (pink highlights) are growing slower than expected. Since separation of algae is alleged to be one of THE barriers, I had expected significant patenting activity in this area. Some further exploration will be needed to better understand this apparent anomaly.
- What do you see?
