The effect of collaborative innovation on ICT-based technological convergence: A patent-based analysis

Area of Science:

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
• Innovation Studies
• Technological Convergence

Background:

• Collaborative innovation is a key driver for technological convergence.
• The specific impact of different collaboration types on ICT convergence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of four distinct collaborative innovation types on ICT-based technological convergence.
• To identify which collaboration types are most effective in promoting convergence within the Korean ICT industry.

Main Methods:

• Utilized firm-level panel data on patenting activities in the Korean ICT sector from 1980 to 2015.
• Examined the impact of Inter-firm, Inter-ICT firm, Firm-University, and Firm-Government Research Institution (GRI) collaborations.

Main Results:

• Inter-ICT firm collaboration demonstrated the most significant and substantial positive effect on technological convergence.
• Other collaboration types (Inter-firm, Firm-University, Firm-GRI) showed statistically significant but considerably smaller impacts.

Conclusions:

• Inter-ICT firm collaboration is the most potent strategy for fostering technological convergence in the ICT sector.
• Policymakers should consider the varying effectiveness of different collaboration types when developing incentives for technological convergence.