Patents Analysis of Iranian Steel Industry Using Soft Systems Methodology

Khodadadi Leylab, H.; Rabbani, Y.

doi:10.22034/ijissi.2026.2079922.1341

Patents Analysis of Iranian Steel Industry Using Soft Systems Methodology

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

H. Khodadadi Leylab

Y. Rabbani

Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22034/ijissi.2026.2079922.1341

Abstract

This research analyzed the situation of Iranian steel industry in case of patent, based on the soft systems methodology (SSM). The patent analysis in different fields during the years 2003 to 2024 shows significant fluctuations of the number of patents. "Technology" and "chemistry" have higher number of patents than the other fields. Studies and expert opinions showed that "technology" patents should be considered endogenous to industries, the results of experience and wised thinking, which mainly comes from within the industry and by artisans. However, in order for the practical knowledge gained to be transformed into technology, it is necessary to develop a system. But in the field of "chemistry", patents are related to the growth of universities in the field. Therefore, the growth of patents in this field is in line with the growth of universities and will continue. However, the practical use of these patents is dependent on the growth of investment in the steel industry. It is necessary and recommended to develop a system that can bring the inventions to practice. These two systems must be integrated to manage the entire innovation process of Iranian Steel, and in order to bring the patents into practice. We have provided this integrated system. The integrated system includes activities such as: Analysis of the current investment plans, designing a system for attracting foreign investors, Planning for the integration of technology and research within the country, establishing a technology documentation office, establishing a technology acquisition/preparation office, Establishing a technology documentation/ standardization office.

Keywords

Steel Industry

Patents Analysis

Soft Systems Methodology

Future Technology

Subjects

Reviwers

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