Title: Industry convergence analysis with patent citations in changing value systems

Authors: Matti Karvonen; Tuomo Kässi

Addresses: Industrial Management, Technology Business Research Center, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland ' Industrial Management, Technology Business Research Center, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland

Abstract: Fusion of new technologies and convergence has led to the emergence of new industries. This paper uses patent citation data of the paper and electronics companies to evaluate the importance of technological interfaces as a source of new radical innovations and industry transformation. Patent data were collected from the 84 main players operating in the radio-frequency identification value chain. The citations analysis method sheds light on the technology competitive arena and shows the macro situation of technology convergence. Added functionality is carried out so that traditional vertical value chain changes to horizontal value network. Technology suppliers offer technological services into parts of value network. System approach is used to bind new suppliers to the whole.

Keywords: convergence analysis; patent citations; technological trajectories; knowledge spillovers; innovation values; value networks; system approach; patents; electronics industry; paper industry; technological interfaces; radical innovation; industry transformation; radio frequency identification; RFID value chain; technology suppliers.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2012.046353

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2012 Vol.6 No.2, pp.150 - 175

Published online: 14 Nov 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article