Rare earth elements are recognized as strategic resources globally due to their critical roles in high-tech and green technologies. However, current research frequently neglects the systematic identification and forecasting of trends in rare earth tec...
Rare earth elements are recognized as strategic resources globally due to their critical roles in high-tech and green technologies. However, current research frequently neglects the systematic identification and forecasting of trends in rare earth technologies, particularly within the upstream supply chain. To address this research gap, this paper utilizes patent text analysis, incorporating technology co-occurrence and burst detection techniques, to systematically identify and analyze core technologies and development dynamics in the upstream rare earth industry. These methods reveal not only the current state of technology applications but also forecast potential directions of innovation. The findings indicate an increasing application of rare earth technologies in materials science and electromagnetic applications, with high-output research and development institutions playing a pivotal role in driving technological innovation. The insights and methodologies provided by this study offer new perspectives and tools for future research on rare earth technologies, and are anticipated to significantly influence strategic decision-making and policy formulation in the rare earth industry.