Tags will be useful to describe generally what an innovation is. But we’ll need a more specific method for labeling and searching for what the innovation does. A way for users to define the constituent parts of a technology in a very focused search.

What’s the best way to do this? There is no universally accepted taxonomy that organizes software, often because the functionality of an individual piece of software crosses categories. It may be helpful to have a classification system that is separate from tagging. When you search a library catalog, you can search by title, subject, author, or a keyword that appears in the text. Tags, perhaps, could function as a “subject” search, with the individual functions of innovations being identified as keywords.

An example: Let’s say a user is creating an entry to describe a program that generates random environments graphics within a video game. Tags for such an entry could consist of “randomization,” “graphics,” or “games.” These general categories would be useful to someone browsing for what’s generally out there in this area. But it will also be important for a user to come to our database and identify specific constituent parts of technology such as “polygon triangulation algorithm,” or something even more specific such as “Chazelle’s algorithm” or “Seidel’s algorithm.”

Essentially, we want to differentiate between function, which will be described by tags, and constituent parts, which will need its own system. We already have in tagging a useful tool to identify broadly what a technology is, such as “transportation.” What we could use some help with is a system of cataloging the specifics, such as “spark plug, tire, and fuel injector.” Your thoughts and comments are very welcome.