Transition of latecomer firms from technology users to technology generators: Korean semiconductor firms

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) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.