本研究目的係透過專利技術類號之分析，探討台灣專利技術與經濟產業的發展情況。研究中除分析台灣在1978至2002年於美國核准專利之概況外，並據此將台灣專利發展歷程分為三個階段：單年發明專利量低於500篇者(1978-1994)、單年發明專利量超過500但低於2500篇者(1995-1999)、單年發明專利量超過2500篇者(2000-2002)，以探討台灣於此二十五年間整體與不同階段之重要專利技術與重點經濟產業發展。研究結果發現，無論在專利技術或經濟產業上，台灣早期以多元發展為特色；在經歷變動、轉型後則漸漸形成以高科技為主流的發展目標；近年來更持續穩定地發展電子與電機相關技術與產業。至於1978至2002年台灣的整體發展特色，則包括：著重高科技產業、技術與產業發展均呈現高度集中趨勢、以研發取代製造等。

This paper uses United States patent classification analysis to study the development of core technologies and key industries in Taiwan over the last 25 years, from 1978 to 2002. After counting the number of Taiwan-held United States granted utility patents, the authors divide the years into three phases: from 1978 to 1994, with less than 500 patents each year; from 1995 to 1999, with 500-2,500 patents each year; from 2000 to 2002, with annual patents greater than 2,500. The results show that for both Taiwan's core technologies and key industries, there was a great diversity at the first phase, while a mainstream forms and matures at the second and the third phases. However, industrial development at the third phase was more concentrated and focused than previous ones. Overall, Taiwan has clearly moved from a manufacturing-based economy to an innovation-based one, with its focus on high-tech industries during the previous 25 years.