2020, Volume 12, Special Issue 1
Sport and Tourism. Yesterday - Today - Tommorow
Eds. Dariusz Jacek Olszewski-Strzyżowski and Raluca Buhas
Innovative technologies in using Baltic amber for wellness
Anna Mikhaylova1, Andrey Mikhaylov2
1Institute of Environmental Management, Urban Development and Spatial Planning, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Russian Federation
2Innovation Geography Laboratory, Regional Studies Institute, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Institute of Innovation Design and Technological Entrepreneurship, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Author for correspondence: Andrey Mikhaylov; Innovation Geography Laboratory, Regional Studies Institute, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Institute of Innovation Design and Technological Entrepreneurship, Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University LETI, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation; email: mikhailov.andrey@ yahoo.com
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Abstract
Background: The aim is to identify novel methods and demand in using amber and its products in the field of medicine, health preservation and medical tourism.
Material and methods: Quantitative and qualitative analysis is done on patents and patent applications indicating the use of natural amber and its derivatives as reflected in the title and/or abstract sections. Data is analyzed by 4 dimensions: temporal, sectoral, territorial, institutional. The study period covers 1975-2020. Data source is the Dimensions patents database.
Results: The development of technologies for using or processing amber and its derivatives is characterized by low and unstable patent activity. The majority of patents are generated at the regions with amber deposits. Wellness specialization is found to be an important technology driver, although outperformed by jewelry production and processing technologies. The WIPO plays a significant role in protecting the amber related innovations in wellness.
Conclusions: The patenting activity for amber processing technologies is low, including in the field of medicine, health preservation and medical tourism. Cross-border networking between
Russia (primarily the Kaliningrad region), Poland, Lithuania, and Germany can positively
affect the development of Baltic amber cluster, boosting the demand for high-tech
processing of amber and expanding its application in wellness.
Key words: natural amber, Baltic amber, succinite, innovative health technologies, amber patent