J. Choung et al., Transition of latecomer firms from technology users to technology generators: Korean semiconductor firms, WORLD DEV, 28(5), 2000, pp. 969-982
In this paper we investigate the evolution of technological capabilities of
Korean semiconductor firms. First, we focus on the notion of rate and dire
ction of technological building based upon technological using and generati
ng capabilities. The rate was measured by development time gap and technolo
gical activities, such as patenting and number of publications. In the seco
nd part we identify three aspects of directions of the technological buildi
ng process using patent content analysis, specific technological characteri
stics of semiconductor technologies and product portfolios. We argue that K
orean semiconductor firms have deepened their technological capabilities an
d the measurement of this process is a key contribution of this paper. (C)
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