Article: The co-evolution of technology and institution in the Korean information and communications industry Journal: International Journal of Technology Management (IJTM) 2006 Vol.36 No.1/2/3 pp.249 - 266 Abstract: The Korean IT industry has shown distinct patterns in learning mechanisms and organisational configuration throughout its entry into advanced information technology. Innovation systems in the area of information technology have also evolved along with technological capability, thereby changing the focus of technological strategies and the role of public institutions. It is found that distinctive patterns of learning and diffusion mechanisms in the case of DRAMs, TDX, and CDMA systems represent successful catch-up situations in Korea as presented in this paper. This paper characterises the stylised facts of the Korean innovation system in the IT sector and traces how technology and institutions coevolved throughout the development process. The transition from technology-using to technology-generating is not an automatic process. Cumulative learning in both technology and organisation is a critical factor to upgrade technological capabilities. The main policy implication of the paper is that it is important to design the corresponding organisational and institutional arrangement in accordance with the changing need of technological upgrading. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: The co-evolution of technology and institution in the Korean information and communications industry

Authors: Jae-Yong Choung, Hye-Ran Hwang, Heeseung Yang

Addresses: School of IT Business, Information and Communications University (ICU), P.O. Box 77, Yuseong-Gu, Daejeon, Korea. ' Daejon Development Institute, Seo-Gu 1420, Daejeon City Office, Daejeon, Korea. ' Graduate School of Management, Sejong University, Gwangin-Gu, Seoul, Korea

Abstract: The Korean IT industry has shown distinct patterns in learning mechanisms and organisational configuration throughout its entry into advanced information technology. Innovation systems in the area of information technology have also evolved along with technological capability, thereby changing the focus of technological strategies and the role of public institutions. It is found that distinctive patterns of learning and diffusion mechanisms in the case of DRAMs, TDX, and CDMA systems represent successful catch-up situations in Korea as presented in this paper. This paper characterises the stylised facts of the Korean innovation system in the IT sector and traces how technology and institutions coevolved throughout the development process. The transition from technology-using to technology-generating is not an automatic process. Cumulative learning in both technology and organisation is a critical factor to upgrade technological capabilities. The main policy implication of the paper is that it is important to design the corresponding organisational and institutional arrangement in accordance with the changing need of technological upgrading.

Keywords: Korea; technology strategy; information technology; communications; ICT; telecommunications; innovation systems; technological learning; technological capabilities; technology strategy; technology management; industrialising economies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2006.009971

International Journal of Technology Management, 2006 Vol.36 No.1/2/3, pp.249 - 266

Published online: 06 Jun 2006 *

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Title: The co-evolution of technology and institution in the Korean information and communications industry

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