Scientific literature cited in patents: A Technology Transfer indicator in Portuguese universities

The study aims to identify the process of transfer from science to technology that occurs in the main Portuguese public universities. The methodology was based on the analysis of the scientific literature cited in patents. Data was obtained from the Lens patent database. 10,514 scientific articles cited in patents were retrieved. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Science maps were created to visualize the main research trends. The results showed a valuable impact of academic research in certain scientific disciplines, such as Chemistry, Biology, Materials Sciences and Medicine. The main research fronts were cancer, nanoparticles, biomaterials, tissue engineering or molecular biology. In conclusion, the research produced by Portuguese universities has generated relevant knowledge for patented inventions and the science-technology flow within specific areas.