Mapping Tesla's Innovation Trajectory: A Temporal and Correlational Analysis of Patent Trends

 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Justification of Selecting the EV Industry and Tesla

Electricization of cars is a big trend that has been accelerated quickly to change the automotive industry and have the main significance in the fields of energy, technology and transportation. Electric vehicles (ticks) may play a central role in activating sustainable transportation, reducing pollution and achieving the goals of  climate change (Lipu et al., 2022). This represents a new technology border that startups are developing and car manufacturers are competing to lead (Nanaki and Koroneos, 2016). Thus, the analysis of technological strategies of companies related to the development of electric vehicles provides timely and strategic information. Tesla was chosen to be the focal company for analysis because this is a pioneer, a market leader and only a pure car manufacturer, making it an exemplary case study. Crucially, Tesla’s use of patents and IP protection as part of its technology strategy and platform ecosystem approach has been a source of competitive advantage (Lang et al., 2021). Thus, analyzing Tesla’s patents related to EV technology provides a window into understanding its technology strategy.

1.2 Brief Introduction of Prior Literature and Research Gap

 Prior studies have used patent analysis to assess the EV technology strategies of incumbent car makers and startups (Lang et al., 2021). However, few studies have focused specifically on analyzing Tesla’s patents to evaluate its technology strategy, representing a gap this research can address. Oya and Uchihira (2024) examined Tesla's patents to assess its platform ecosystem model but did not connect findings to implications for Tesla's technology strategy. Further analyses of Tesla’s patents using metrics like originality and citations over time can reveal patterns related to its R&D priorities, knowledge flows, and strategic positioning (Bassan, 2021). Additionally, minimal research has adopted an international business perspective to interpret patent analysis findings to evaluate an automaker’s technology strategy. Assessing factors like cross-border collaboration and access to foreign knowledge stocks can provide strategic insights, especially for a globally focused firm like Tesla.

1.3 Research Questions

1. How has Tesla’s technological focus evolved, and what strategic shifts does this reveal?

2. What are the key technological interdependencies in Tesla’s innovation ecosystem?

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