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The impact of convergence between science and technology on innovation

Author

Listed:
  • Chul Lee

    (Seoul National University)

  • Gunno Park

    (Samsung SDS)

  • Jina Kang

    (Seoul National University
    Seoul National University)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of convergence of science and technology on innovation impact, specifically how convergence helps R&D organizations to apply scientific knowledge to their R&D activities. In addition to direct effects of convergence, we address the moderating effects of scientific capacity, knowledge spillover, and knowledge maturity from the knowledge side. The empirical analysis, which employs a zero inflated negative binomial regression model uses data on 2074 patents granted to US organizations from the pharmaceutical industry. The results show that an increase in the proportion of scientific knowledge in convergence has a positive and curvilinear relationship with innovation impact. Also, we find that the organization’s scientific capacity, regional scientific knowledge spillover, and knowledge maturity positively moderate the relationship between convergence and innovation impact. Our findings underline the importance of convergence between science and technology as well as provide implications on how to improve the outcome of an organization’s research and development process.

Suggested Citation

  • Chul Lee & Gunno Park & Jina Kang, 2018. "The impact of convergence between science and technology on innovation," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 43(2), pages 522-544, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:43:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s10961-016-9480-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-016-9480-9
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Convergence; Knowledge; Science; Technology; R&D; Innovation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • O38 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Government Policy
    • O39 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Other

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