Visual group identification method of technical competitors using LinLog graph clustering algorithm

Visualization technique is a powerful method used by science and technology intelligence analysis experts to identify technical competitor groups. Common visualization methods tend to create graphs meeting the aesthetic criteria instead of finding better clusters, and their analysis results may provide misleading information. A process model of technical group identification method was presented using LinLog graph clustering algorithm to find better competitor groups. In the model, technical similarity value of each pair of competitors is measured based on their R&D output in sub-fields, and two competitors have a link when they have high similarity value; LinLog algorithm, which is aimed at producing better clusters, was employed to layout graph with competitors as nodes, their links as edges and technology similarity values as weights of edges. Experiment results show the efficiency of presented method.