Sectoral and country differences in convergence innovation: comparisons with Korea, China, Japan and Taiwan

There have been little studies on global trends of convergence innovation. Majority of convergence studieshas been sector-specific investigations into convergence innovation. This chapter takes a close look at theshape of convergence innovation both at sectoral and country levels. By measuring intra-industryconvergence and inter-industry convergence, a convergence innovation matrix has been developed basedon the results of the analysis. The specialized suppliers sector shows the highest degree of intraconvergenceinnovation accounting for 40 percent to 50 percent of total patents. This implies that thespecialized suppliers are the focal points of convergence innovation, integrating forward and backwardindustries. From the cross-country comparison, we discovered no major differences between countries inthe trends of inter-industry convergence. It has been concluded that the inherent industrial andtechnological characteristics may play a critical role in convergence activities regardless of country specificcharacteristics.

Keywords:

convergence innovation , inter-industry convergence , intra-industry convergence , convergenceinnovation matrix , cross-country comparison