Resumen
Technology watch is a methodology for organisations to systematically analyzetechnical information in a continuous way in order to gain insight and competitive advantagein a specific technical domain and is based mainly on statistical analysis of patent information.Patent statistics are commonly based on bibliographic data and generated with bibliometrictechniques. In this paper we describe the differences between patent bibliometrics and classicbibliometrics and propose several patent indicators for technology watch activities which weclassified into four categories: performance, technology, patent value and collaborationindicators. In a case study we undertook a bibliometric patent analysis using the describedgroups of indicators in order to generate a technology watch of nanotechnology for the domainof a whole country (Spain) and explained the different data visualizations we used in order torepresent the indicators. We conclude that statistical analysis of patent information and itsvisualization is a powerful methodology for any competitive intelligence activity centred ontechnology but there are also some limitations to bear in mind when undertaking technologywatch activities using patent information discussed in terms of its timeliness, patentabilitycriteria, sector dependence, quantity vs. quality.