Title: The development of cluster tool controllers (CTC) for semiconductor manufacturing: the case of KAIST and Jusung Engineering, Co.

Authors: Ingyu Oh

Addresses: Bristol Business School, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol BS16 1QY, UK

Abstract: This is a case study of cluster tool controller (CTC) development for semiconductor manufacturing, a software programme Jusung Engineering has developed in association with an R&D team at Korea Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (KAIST). The case demonstrates how the cross-boundary coordination of technology transfer, using the method of |asset matching| between firms and individuals within public R&D institutions, can be successful despite qualms of various governance issues. Jusung Engineering boldly used a means of virtual networking to occupy an open space in the market that had not been exploited by its competitors. A professor at KAIST and his team provided their expertise in software development to this mutual project, as they were selected not through strong ties but through virtual ties. By reinforcing the virtual ties through visiting each other|s physical spaces, both parties of the technology transfer avoided disastrous governance failures and created value in a market that has been dominated by a monopoly supplier.

Keywords: technology transfer; asset matching; cross-boundary R&D; virtual networking; research and development; semiconductor manufacturing; cluster tool controllers; R&D coordination; public R&D; public research institutions; software development; governance failure; value creation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMKT.2010.035697

International Journal of Technology Marketing, 2010 Vol.5 No.2, pp.192 - 200

Published online: 02 Oct 2010 *

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