Title: Knowledge integration capabilities of Japanese companies: reconstructing intra-firm networks for technology commercialisation

Authors: Shigemi Yoneyama, Ingyu Oh, Hyuk-Rae Kim

Addresses: Musashi University, 1-26-1 Toyotama-kami, Nerima, Tokyo 176-8534, Japan. ' Graduate School of Management, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, 1-1 Jumonjibaru, Beppu, Oita 874-8577, Japan. ' Graduate School of International Studies, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, Korea

Abstract: Despite aggressive investments in R&D and its success, Japanese companies demonstrate poor results in technology commercialisation. Almost half of all technological patents that Japanese companies hold are dormant, being unused. The purpose of this paper is to explore why technologies become dormant and how firms can overcome the problem to facilitate the process of technology commercialisation. Based upon the questionnaire survey of Japanese manufacturing companies, we find that exposing technology to the public in early stages of the commercialisation process plays an important role in enhancing overall commercialisation performance. Technology is an equivocal and context-dependent entity and changes its meaning from one context to another. Exposing a new piece of technology to the public enables firms to acquire more information about its market potential, which in return propels the commercialisation process more effectively. This research also implies that an early market exposure of new technological innovation contributes to building an effective inter-firm R&D network.

Keywords: dormant technology; Japanese manufacturing companies; knowledge integration capabilities; inter-firm R&D network; technology commercialisation; Japan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2004.004785

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2004 Vol.3 No.1, pp.59 - 71

Published online: 07 Jul 2004 *

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