Title: The emergence of fuel cell technology and challenges for catching-up by latecomers: Insights from Malaysia and Singapore

Authors: Zeeda F. Mohamad

Addresses: Faculty of Science, Department of Science and Technology Studies, University of Malaya, 50603, Malaysia

Abstract: In this paper, I have used the systems of innovation approach to investigate the challenges faced by latecomer countries to catch-up in the development of an emerging technology like fuel cells. A comparative study between Malaysia and Singapore reveals that higher development of the fuel cell innovation system can be attributed to three institutional factors: presence of primary actors to align activities; synergy between complementary policies; openness to internationalisation activities. It is argued that such factors are essential for providing a conducive environment to address specific characteristics of the |emerging phase| of fuel cell technology.

Keywords: latecomer countries; catching-up strategy; fuel cells; emerging technology; technological system framework; innovation systems; Malaysia; Singapore.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2011.039769

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2011 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.306 - 326

Published online: 18 Apr 2011 *

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