Footprint analysis - the example of metamaterials

Footprint Analysis is a method that combines quantitative-bibliometric and qualitative assessment measures to discern whether certain technological topics are located within the realm of fundamental or applied science and whether a seminal transition has taken place over the years since the emergence of this technology. One example of the results this methodology yields can be seen on this poster: "Metamaterials". The starting point for the analysis is a paper we call "Genesis Article" (GA). It is from the year 1968 by Victor Veselago and it lays the foundation for this topic. All papers citing the GA are added to the analyzed set. Various indicators are taken into consideration for this set, for example publishing institutions, journals, the number of patents and the Subject Area - Quadrant Allocation. Combining these indicators we create a "Footprint Profile" that allows an assessment of its position within the research landscape. This poster focuses on our progress with the Subject Area - Quadrant Allocation.